'Grossly disproportionate': Southampton FC chief has final say on Spygate - plus decision on ex-Barnsley FC coach
SOUTHAMPTON owner Dragan Solak has apologised for the Spygate 2.0 episode which has besmirched the name of the Championship club, but has stressed that he still believes that the punishment meted out to them last month was "grossly disproportionate".
Saints were expelled from the play-offs after admitting observing opponents' training sessions. Additionally, they were deducted four points for the 2026-27 season by an independent disciplinary commission.
Middlesbrough, beaten by Saints in the semi-final, were reinstated for the Wembley final and played Hull City on May 23 for a place in the Premier League.
The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Boro as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on May 7.
Southampton admitted to "multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training".
Following their punishment, the Hampshire outfit lodged an appeal, arguing that the punishment was disproportionate. But the decision was upheld by a league panel.
Addressing Saints supporters, Solak said: "I am sorry for how this season has ended. I am at the head of the football club and I must take responsibility for everything that happens here.
"It's important to apologise for how we handled the matters in the early stages of the process. We have to be better.
"Mistakes have been made and we will learn from them. Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm how committed I am to bringing success to St Mary's.
"The price we have to pay for our mistakes feels disproportionate, but we accept it.
"I'd like to address the EFL decision one final time before we close this chapter. We accept that mistakes have been made at the club level.
"Rules have been broken. There must be a consequence and I'll take responsibility for that. But I also believe the sanction imposed is grossly disproportionate.
"The level of breach combined with the outcome of previous cases makes this feel incredibly harsh.
"It's the fans, as well as the players, who suffer the most, many of whom had already made arrangements for Wembley once the semi-finals went ahead.
"I also believe that the competition itself loses credibility. Suggesting that decisions made off the pitch can see results on the field simply wiped out cannot be good for the game."
Solak confirmed that Saints will move forward with CEO Phil Parsons, technical director Johannes Spors and head coach Tonda Eckert "all together".
He added: "As I have said, I want to close this chapter and look ahead. And I want to look ahead together as one, including Tonda and his staff.
"Tonda's period as our head coach has been a success so far. Our form during 2026 has been remarkable and we believe he is the man to take us forward.
"As a board, we are fully behind him and together we only have one objective: we want promotion back to the Premier League."
Earlier, ex-Barnsley coach Eckert has apologised for orchestrating the 'Spygate' scandal and admitted he is responsible for "everything that has happened".
The German put out a lengthy video statement on club media, which began: "I will try to be as honest and clear as I can be.
"For everything that has happened, I do want to apologise and I hold my hand up because as head coach I am responsible.
"I am responsible for everything that has happened at this football club."