Shocking revelations in Spygate scandal around Tonda Eckert

The spying scandal involving Southampton FC and manager Tonda Eckert has produced a flood of new details after the EFL published facts from the 20 May appeal hearing. The documents show opponents were systematically and secretly spied on, and the club released a detailed statement from Eckert explaining the circumstances, his responsibility and the general practices in professional football from his perspective.

In early May Middlesbrough staff caught a Southampton intern secretly filming their training after he had been sent by his superiors to spy on play-off opponents. Middlesbrough lodged an official complaint with the EFL, which opened proceedings on 13 May and, six days later, expelled Southampton from the competition; the Saints' appeal was rejected the next day.

The 33-year-old manager and his staff have also been found guilty of further spying on Oxford United and newly promoted Ipswich Town. WhatsApp chat histories made public show how embedded covert scouting was at the club.

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