Southampton begin their Championship campaign under a cloud of uncertainty, with head coach Tonda Eckert still awaiting punishment from the Football Association over his role in last season's Spygate scandal.

Eckert was formally charged with misconduct by the FA on 22 July following the controversy that saw Southampton expelled from the Championship play-offs in May, after the club admitted to spying on three rival clubs. BBC Sport understands the FA hearing is expected to take place in mid-September — well into the new season.

Why the process has taken months

The EFL moved swiftly on its own investigation because it needed a verdict before the play-offs could be completed. Southampton were charged on 8 May, and 11 days later were thrown out of the competition and handed a four-point deduction for this campaign.

The FA process has operated on a different timeline, allowing Southampton more time to gather and present evidence. By the time the club finally submits its case, it will be close to four months since the investigation began.

With the Championship pausing for an international break from 21 September to 6 October, it remains unclear whether Southampton will know Eckert's fate before play resumes.

What happens if Eckert is banned?