Shocking report on the spygate scandal reveals how Southampton used a ‘disguise’
Here’s a big update on the ‘Spygate’ scandal that caused Southampton to be removed from the Championship play-off final— and it involves a surprising disguise used to spy on other teams.
In one of the most talked-about stories in English football, Southampton lost their spot in the final just days before the game because of a spying scandal. After beating Middlesbrough in the semi-finals, it was discovered that someone from Southampton’s staff had secretly watched their rivals’ training sessions before the first leg.
Later, it came out that Southampton was caught not only filming Middlesbrough’s training but also spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town. After an independent hearing, the EFL found Southampton guilty on all charges. As a result, the Saints were removed from the final and given a four-point deduction for next season.
Now, more details are coming out. It turns out that Southampton’s manager, Tonda Eckert, was the one who sent spies to watch Oxford and Ipswich’s training sessions. According to The Athletic, the spy who went to Ipswich wore a disguise—he dressed in the kit of Eastleigh, a National League team whose training ground Ipswich used.
Not surprisingly, Southampton is appealing the decision. Their legal team will present their case on May 20 before the final ruling is made. But The Athletic also reports that some WhatsApp messages from Eckert to his analysts about the spying are hurting Southampton’s case a lot.
Eckert says he didn’t know the English rules about spying and claimed it’s common in other European football leagues, so he thought it wasn’t wrong. Still, his job as Southampton manager is now at serious risk, and he might face a fine from the Football Association too.
Meanwhile, the new Championship play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough will now start at 3:30 pm, an hour earlier than the original Hull vs. Southampton match. If Southampton wins their appeal and gets put back in, the game’s kick-off time will stay at 4:30 pm.