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Southampton's Spygate appeal rejected; manager praises intern's findings

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 7:51 PM

Last updated Jun 1, 2026

Southampton's Spygate appeal rejected; manager praises intern's findings
Summary

Southampton's appeal against their Spygate punishment was dismissed by the League Arbitration Panel. The club admitted to spying on Oxford, Ipswich, and Middlesbrough during the 2025/26 season. Southampton was removed from the play-offs and will face a four-point deduction next season. Messages reveal that manager Tonda Eckert expressed pleasure in the information gathered by a junior analyst intern, who faced pressure to carry out the spying despite moral concerns. The intern deleted their LinkedIn profile after being caught spying on Middlesbrough's training session ahead of the play-off semi-final.

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Sky Sports
Key Details
  • •Southampton spied on three opponents during the 2025/26 season.
  • •The club was expelled from the play-offs and docked four points.
  • •Tonda Eckert praised the intern's spying efforts in messages.
  • •The intern felt pressured to carry out the spying tasks.
  • •The intern deleted their LinkedIn profile after being caught.
What they're saying
"

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert "loved" the information a junior analyst intern gathered when spying on one of his team's opponents, according to newly released messages.

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