Southampton Manager Tonda Eckert Could Face Lengthy FA Ban
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert could reportedly receive a suspended one-year ban after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association, according to fresh claims.
Eckert is facing further disciplinary action after Southampton were found to have spied on play-off opponents Middlesbrough, as well as committing two additional breaches during last season. The Saints were subsequently expelled from the Championship play-offs, ending their hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes that punishment should be considered when the FA determines Eckert’s fate. He argued that the manager has already suffered financially and reputationally, and suggested that a suspended ban could represent the governing body’s most lenient available option.
“The biggest issue here, from my point of view, is the penalty already levied on Southampton, which to me was still the harshest penalty I think I’ve ever seen in sports, to be honest.”
“Now, if they were to be on the most lenient level of this, they could suspend a suspension, so they could give him a one-year suspended sentence.”
That view differs from former FIFA and PGMOL official Keith Hackett, who has predicted that Eckert is more likely to receive an immediate six-game suspension. Such a punishment could rule the 33-year-old out of the opening month of the Championship season and leave his coaching staff responsible for matchday duties.
Southampton begin their campaign against Colchester United in the Carabao Cup on August 8. The club will hope for clarity before that fixture, particularly if the final decision forces them to adjust their preparations at short notice.
Comments Welcome!