Tonda Eckert will remain in charge of Southampton after an FA independent regulatory commission handed him a six-week ban from all football — suspended until the end of next season — for his role in the Spygate scandal.

The German manager has also been fined £28,000 and issued a formal reprimand, but the suspended nature of the ban means his position at the club is secure for now. Both Eckert and Southampton will be relieved that a lengthier punishment, one that could have ended his time at the club, did not materialise.

The charges and the verdict

The FA charged Eckert with misconduct in July, following a hearing at the end of last month. He was found guilty of three breaches of FA Rule E3.1. The six-week ban would only be triggered if he is found to be involved in any further spying activity before the end of next season.

Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting to spying on the training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough ahead of the play-off semi-finals. The club were also docked four points for the current season.