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Southampton coach Tonda Eckert charged by FA over Championship 'Spygate' scandal
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association FA for his role in the club’s Championship “Spygate” scandal. The FA alleges Eckert breached Rule E3.1 by improperly directing or authorizing the observation of opposition training sessions between December 2025 and May 2026. Southampton was expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting to spying on three clubs, including Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough. An independent disciplinary commission previously found that Eckert authorized these surveillance activities. Following Southampton's expulsion, Middlesbrough was reinstated to the play-off final. Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond to the charges. Southampton stated that both the club and Eckert acknowledge the charges and will cooperate with the investigation. The club also expressed continued support for Eckert and his coaching staff. Eckert has admitted responsibility for authorizing the actions that led to the disciplinary case, apologizing for his decision.
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Following the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, several established football nations that failed to qualify are now looking to secure their return for the 2030 tournament. FIFA has highlighted 10 countries with strong World Cup traditions determined to reclaim their places on football's biggest stage. Italy, four-time champions, have missed three consecutive tournaments, including 2026 after a playoff defeat. Denmark, regular participants since 1986, also missed 2026 after a playoff loss. Poland, with nine World Cup appearances, failed to qualify for 2026, facing a rebuilding phase. Hungary, absent since 1986, narrowly missed the 2026 playoffs. Romania, whose last appearance was in 1998, lost in the 2026 playoff semi-finals. Nigeria, who reached the knockout stage in three of their six appearances, missed the last two editions, including 2026. Cameroon, Africa's record holder for World Cup appearances, also failed to qualify for 2026. Chile, who enjoyed a golden era between 2010 and 2014, have missed three straight tournaments. Peru, who ended a 36-year absence in 2018, had a disappointing 2026 qualifying campaign. Costa Rica, consistent CONCACAF performers, missed 2026 after a disappointing qualifying run. These nations are now focused on rebuilding and developing new talent to ensure their presence at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Must ReadGiovanni Malago, president of the Italian Football Federation, confirmed that discussions have taken place with Pep Guardiola regarding the Italy national team head coach position. This follows Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup and the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Malago indicated that financial exceptions could be made to attract a coach of Guardiola's caliber, though an agreement is not guaranteed. Guardiola recently left Manchester City after a successful 10-year tenure, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He has strong ties to Italy, speaking fluent Italian and having played in Serie A. Other candidates reportedly being considered include former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council NERDC has lowered the cost for textbook assessment and ranking, and mandated refunds for publishers who previously paid higher fees. This decision aims to alleviate financial burdens on stakeholders before the Federal Government's National Textbook Ranking System is implemented. The Executive Secretary of the Council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, announced the changes, stating that the assessment fee is now N1,500 per page, down from N2,000, and the ranking fee has been reduced from N1 million to N750,000 per textbook title. Publishers who paid the former N2,000 per page assessment fee will receive refunds for the excess amount, with the procedure to be announced soon. These revised charges are effective immediately. The fee reduction precedes the launch of the National Textbook Ranking System, an educational reform introduced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to enhance the quality of instructional materials in Nigerian schools. Starting September 2026, only textbooks assessed, approved, and ranked by NERDC will be permitted for classroom use. This policy seeks to combat substandard textbooks and ensure access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant learning materials. The National Textbook Ranking System is part of broader reforms by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which also includes nationwide learning assessments, revived e-libraries, and expanded digital learning infrastructure