Leeds 'key' to Tonda Eckert ban, this is how long EFL wanted him suspended

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert was right to avoid a four-month suspension for his role in last season's Championship "Spygate" saga.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the correct decision was made to brush the situation under the carpet.

After months of investigations, the FA's independent panel handed Eckert a suspended six-week ban and £28,000 fine after admitting to spying on several opponents.

One of the Saints' interns was spotted at Middlesbrough's training ground ahead of the two teams meeting in the Championship play-off semi-final last term.

Supporters at St Mary's Stadium feared the worst as the investigation dragged on, but Eckert will not have to serve a ban from the touchline unless he breaks the rules again.

Many rival fans have disagreed with the outcome, but Borson has suggested that a suspended six-week ban and fine is more than fair.

EFL wanted Tonda Eckert to be handed '16-week ban'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson compared the situation to Marcelo Bielsa's back in 2019, going against the grain from the rest of the Championship.

"We talked about this before. Not many people agree with me with my view on Southampton compared to some of the historic cases.

"I think it's the right outcome given that they didn't charge Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa in 2019. They started with 16 weeks as being the recommendation, I think, for the suspension.

"I think they were asked then by the EFL for 12 weeks. And then they said, 'Well, we'll suspend the whole thing anyway'. And obviously if it's suspended, it's never gonna crystallise. You get zero.

"In my view, yes, it's right to move on. I don't think it was that significant. But I do recognise that I'm not necessarily in line with what people think."

Why did the Southampton boss receive a lesser punishment?

Many supporters have been left stunned by the outcome, with the independent panel clearly feeling that the Saints being booted out of the play-offs already enough.

The panel were also asked to consider how such a long-term touchline ban could impact his job at St Mary's Stadium, with suggestions that he may have lost his job.

Ultimately, the concerns were heard, and Eckert will not have to miss a single game in 2026-27, even despite the outrage across the Championship.

Southampton are currently sitting 13th in the Championship table after eight matches, doing well to overcome their four-point deduction.