Journalist reveals when Tonda Eckert FA hearing could happen during Southampton break

Tonda Eckert couldn't pick up one more Championship win as Southampton manager just before the international break.

Wrexham would rain on the Saints parade, as their arrogant pre-match antics involving Spygate didn't come back to haunt them, as the Red Dragons won the tight contest 2-1.

There was some luck involved, as a Keven Schlotterbeck own-goal right at the death would gift them the slender win, but the South Coast outfit struggled the more the game went on, as they remain winless on the road this season in the demanding second tier.

This could be Eckert's last game occupying the sidelines for some time, which is a disappointing way to bow out if that's the case, as a FA hearing continues to hang in the air.

One journalist has given a hint as to when the FA hearing will happen, with Eckert commenting on the proceedings that are looming large at the full-time whistle.

The potential date for Eckert's FA hearing

Eckert isn't usually the most open manager in his post-match interviews nor his pre-match press conferences.

He has admitted, though, when talking after the demoralising 2-1 defeat in Wales, that he anticipates that a long-awaited decision from the FA over the Spygate scandal will come during the three-week international break.

The German said, in his usual matter-of-fact tone, that "yes" he did foresee an FA decision finally happening over the elongated break, as he also elaborated further that "it's a situation that has dragged on for a long time and I think we will have some clarity soon."

He's spot on with that second part, as we are now eight games into the new 2026/27 season in the Championship, and nobody is any the wiser as to what fate will come the Berlin-born manager's way.

Ideally, this should have all been resolved and worked out before a ball was kicked, but it has been dragged on.

The Daily Echo's Dan Hargraves believes a decision could come as early as next week, with an FA hearing reportedly pencilled in.

He is praying for a "positive conclusion" to everything, but with Southampton being expelled from the playoffs dramatically, nobody quite knows what will happen with the controversial German in the dugout moving forward.

What could happen?

Southampton were victims of the FA being cutthroat when they were expelled from the playoffs.

That was an unprecedented next step, as when Leeds United admitted to spying under Marcelo Bielsa, they were effectively given an almighty slap on the wrist, with the Whites fined, and the eccentric South American handed a warning.

The German is yet to be handed out his own individual punishment, but it's likely to be a lot harsher than a simple warning.

Realistically, a touchline ban feels like what will be dished out to him, with Eckert watching from the stands in pre-season to potentially prepare for such a penalty.

If he is suspended outright for a considerable amount of time, it has been previously been noted that Dragan Solak would consider relieving the 33-year-old of his duties.

This would be the ultimate worse case scenario, as while the Saints have stumbled at points this season, the young head coach is still very much respected within St. Mary's quarters, with a 100% home record intact this season in league action.

To lose Eckert over a scandal that has been dragged on and on would be gutting, as Saints fans everywhere wait with bated breath over the break to finally see what his sanction is.

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