Southampton owner Dragan Solak has confirmed that head coach Tonda Eckert will remain in his position despite the club's involvement in a major spying scandal that led to their expulsion from the Championship play-offs.

The decision follows the publication of disciplinary findings and leaked WhatsApp messages that revealed the extent of a covert operation aimed at gathering information on rival teams.

Eckert issued a public apology to supporters, players, staff and affected clubs, accepting responsibility for actions carried out under his leadership.

He expressed regret for the impact the scandal had on the team, particularly after Southampton were denied the opportunity to compete in the play-off final.The disciplinary report described the spying operation as a deliberate plan organised from senior coaching levels.Intern William Salt was instructed to observe and record opposition training sessions, including those of Oxford United and Middlesbrough.Evidence presented to the independent commission showed that junior staff felt significant pressure to comply with requests from senior coaches.Messages indicated concerns about job security if they refused.The report also detailed how Southampton attempted to minimise the fallout after Salt was caught filming Middlesbrough's training session.Internal discussions included removing references to the intern from club materials and managing the public narrative surrounding the incident.

Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the affair, Solak stated that similar practices had been common in some countries where Eckert previously worked.He said he had strongly reprimanded the coach and warned that any future breach of regulations would not be tolerated.Solak nevertheless concluded that Eckert deserved another opportunity, leaving the manager in charge ahead of the new season.