The Football Association (FA) has handed Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert a suspended six-week ban for his involvement in spying on opponents' training sessions.

Operativ Media reports that the specialist was also fined £28,000. The suspended ban will remain in effect until the end of the 2027/28 season.

Tonda Eckert accepted charges regarding three incidents that reportedly occurred between December 2025 and May 2026. The FA's independent regulatory commission handed down a six-week suspension from all football-related activities and also issued a reprimand.

The investigation began following a complaint from Middlesbrough. The club accused Southampton of watching and filming their training sessions.

Previously, Southampton was excluded from the Premier League promotion play-offs and handed a four-point deduction for the 2026/27 Championship season. The club's appeal was also rejected.

Following the points deduction, Southampton is in 13th place in the Championship with 10 points.