Southampton players explore cancelling contracts as coach Tonda Eckert faces sack after admitting his involvement in sending analysts to spy on other clubs

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert is reportedly facing the sack if the club fails in its appeal against the EFL’s decision to expel them from the Championship play-off final over the growing “Spygate” scandal.

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Southampton F.C. were removed from Saturday’s play-off final against Hull City A.F.C. after admitting analysts were sent to spy on rivals including Middlesbrough F.C., Oxford United F.C. and Ipswich Town F.C.. The English Football League announced that Middlesbrough would replace Southampton in the final, while also docking Saints four points for next season.

Eckert, who attended the disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, May 19, reportedly admitted involvement in the spying operation. The German coach is said to have argued that such practices are common in European football, although EFL rules introduced after the original “Spygate” scandal involving Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United F.C. explicitly ban clubs from observing opponents’ training sessions within 72 hours of a match.

Southampton’s appeal is due to be heard by a separate panel, with club insiders claiming they remain confident of overturning the punishment. However, football industry experts reportedly believe reinstatement is unlikely.

The scandal has also triggered unrest within the squad, with players said to be exploring possible legal action against the club over potential financial losses tied to promotion bonuses and wage increases that would have come with a return to the Premier League. Sporting director Johannes Spors is also facing uncertainty over his future. Spors previously worked with Eckert at Genoa CFC.

According to reports, players were furious after learning about the club’s expulsion through media announcements at the same time as supporters, with the squad’s WhatsApp group allegedly flooded with angry reactions. Football journalist Justin Allen described the situation as unprecedented, noting that this is believed to be the first time a football club has been expelled from a competition for spying on opponents’ training sessions.

Southampton reportedly believe the punishment is excessive and disproportionate, while Middlesbrough sources insist the decision sends a clear message that “cheating will not be tolerated.”