Arabic version: إيكرت ينتظر قرار الاتحاد الإنجليزي قبل موسم ساوثهامبتون

According to BBC News, Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says the Football Association misconduct charge connected to the club’s Spygate scandal remains in the back of his mind as he waits for a verdict. The 33-year-old German was charged more than a week ago for authorising the observation of rival training sessions.

Southampton were removed from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting they had spied on three clubs during the campaign. The FA said Eckert acted improperly and/or brought the game into disrepute. Saints owner Dragan Solak said in June that he would not sack Eckert, although a lengthy ban could affect that position.

Eckert told BBC Radio Solent that he would be lying if he said the matter was not on his mind, but said he is focused on football, pre-season preparation and the transfer window. He said the team are in a good place and that he will keep working until the decision arrives.

Southampton are currently in Germany for a pre-season training camp, where Solak has been pictured with the squad. They have played friendlies against Eastleigh and Eintracht Braunschweig, plus a behind-closed-doors match against SC Paderborn. Their final friendly is against Preussen Munster on Saturday, before they face Colchester in the first round of the Carabao Cup the following weekend.

A week later, Southampton begin their Championship campaign away to Watford. Eckert said the club’s ambition is to compete for automatic promotion, while acknowledging the challenges of a season containing many matches and clubs newly relegated into the division.