Eckert in FA misconduct hearing over Spygate: Head coach’s fate still unknown

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert attended a misconduct hearing at Wembley Stadium regarding three breaches of the Football Association's Rule E3.1. The 33-year-old German manager previously admitted to authorizing spying missions on three Championship opponents' training sessions last season. The FA launched an investigation in June and formally charged Eckert on July 22.

The independent hearing could lead to a suspension of three or more months from all football activity, with potential international enforcement by FIFA. Southampton, who previously received a four-point deduction and expulsion from the play-offs by the EFL, could appeal any individual sanction issued against Eckert.