FA investigates Southampton over ‘Spygate’ scandal

Southampton are now under investigation by the Football Association in relation to the ‘Spygate’ scandal.

The FA is looking at whether charges should be brought, following on from a decision by an EFL independent disciplinary commission to expel Saints from the Championship play-offs and dock four points for next season.

An FA spokesperson said: “We will now investigate and won’t comment further until we have assessed the evidence.”

Southampton admitted to spying on a training session held by play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough earlier this month, as well as one held by Oxford in December and an Ipswich session in April.

All three instances occurred following the appointment of Tonda Eckert as head coach in early December.

The club’s appeal against the sanction imposed by the commission was dismissed on Wednesday night, with Boro now replacing Saints in Saturday’s play-off final against Hull.

Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons said the sanctions imposed were “manifestly disproportionate”.

Kicking them out of the play-offs also denies them a shot at a Premier League place and with it an estimated £200million in additional revenue as a minimum.

Saints’ player of the year Leo Scienza described the punishment as “heartbreaking” and said the club’s fans “definitely deserved better”.

“We gave everything for this dream,” he posted on Instagram. “Day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice, always believing we could bring this club back to where it belongs.

“For me, the dream of playing in the Premier League was something I fought for with everything I had. That’s why this pain cuts so deep.”

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis mimicked holding a pair of binoculars as he celebrated their winning goal against Boro.

The 24-year-old said on Thursday that he would never have done so had he been aware of how serious the situation was.

“As players, we are absolutely gutted, disappointed, and heartbroken that it’s come to this,” he said on Instagram.

“I’d also like to put on record that, had I known the severity of the situation, I would never have done what I did on the pitch. In the moment, it was meant as a bit of fun in a situation that we as players were not informed about.”

Middlesbrough welcomed Southampton’s expulsion, saying the sanction “sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct”.

Eckert’s future as Southampton boss is now in major doubt, while reports suggest the Saints’ players are considering legal action against the club.

Eckert was due at Southampton’s training ground on Thursday morning and was expected to hold talks with the players.

The club said in a statement on Wednesday evening that “trust now needs to be rebuilt”.

“That work begins immediately,” they added.

“The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.

“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”