Southampton manager Tonda Eckert facing '10-match ban' for Spygate
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert can expect a "10-match" touchline ban and a big fine if he is found guilty of three charges of misconduct.
That is according to former PGMOL chief, Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The FA have now brought official charges against the German, who was found to have played a large part in the decision to spy on Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough last season in a situation that has been dubbed 'Spygate'.
Southampton were thrown out of the Championship play-offs after admitting to the allegations, which were discovered when an intern was caught recording Boro's training session before the first leg of the semi-final.
Eckert has been backed by Southampton and remains in charge, despite having cost the club millions by thwarting their chance to return to the Premier League.
The 33-year-old took over the Saints as a caretaker manager in November and was appointed permanently shortly after, leading them on a staggering 20-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Keith Hackett predicts Tonda Eckert decision
Eckert is not expected to contest the FA's charges, having already admitted to his role in the incidents.
In a statement on Wednesday, Southampton confirmed their acknowledgement of the charges and confirmed that they would continue to cooperate fully.
Pre-season has already begun for the Saints, with their first game of the season set to be played in the Carabao Cup in the first week of August.
The Championship season will then kick off mid-way through the month, with Southampton set to take on Watford in their opener.
They will first face a nervous wait first for the outcome of Eckert's charges. "This will be challenging for the disciplinary panel. Firstly, they have to determine his guilt," Hackett told Football Insider.
"They will then consider any submissions from Eckert and the club. I would expect a substantial punishment.
"A touchline ban that may reach double figures of games, plus a fine in the region of £10k."
What did Eckert say about Spygate?
At the beginning of June, Eckert spoke to Southampton in a video that explained his actions and attempted to apologise.
"For everything that has happened, I do want to apologise and I hold my hand up because as head coach I am responsible," he said.
"I am responsible for everything that has happened at this football club."
Eckert went on to explain that the observing of opponents' training sessions was commonplace in Italy and German, but that he was this was not an excuse.