Southampton FC is excluded from the Premier League promotion tournament as a result of an espionage scandal. FC Bayern and 1. FC Nürnberg, who are threatened with losing millions, could also be among those who suffer.
It sounds a bit like James Bond when you follow the drama that is currently unfolding around Southampton FC in the English second division. Espionage allegations, draconian punishments, all with not insignificant consequences for two Bavarian clubs and, in the middle of it all, a coach who worked in the youth ranks of FC Bayern Munich. Quite the stuff of a thriller, right?
Southampton with German coach Relegation final – actually
But first things first: Southampton with German coach Tonda Eckert, previously a youth coach in Munich and at 1. FC Köln, finished the season in fourth place in the EFL Championship, the lower house of the Premier League.
The “Saints” were therefore qualified for the play-off for promotion relegation to the first division, where they dramatically won the second duel 2-1 in extra time in the semi-final against Middlesbrough FC after a 0-0 draw in the first leg on Saturday – actually.
Southampton staff films Opponent training
But instead of the final scheduled for next Saturday to return to the Premier League, the shock followed on Tuesday evening. An independent disciplinary committee decided that Southampton would be excluded from the play-offs and would also receive a point deduction for the coming season.
The reason: Middlesbrough had already called the league on the Friday before the second leg because a Southampton employee had been caught during the “Boros” training session filming the northern English team’s practice sessions on his smartphone hidden behind a tree, something that has been banned for several years. The club’s appeal against the penalty was rejected.
Southampton scandal costs Bavaria and Nuremberg money
The end for Southampton will probably also have financial consequences for FC Bayern and 1. FC Nürnberg. Both clubs handed over players to the “Saints” during the season that ended.
Nuremberg sold Caspar Jander to the Eckert Association last summer for an impressive twelve million euros. According to a report in “Bild”, part of the agreement was that if Jander was promoted in his first season, a bonus of another million would be due.
Bayern with six goalkeepers into the new season?
The sum that Bayern may miss out on is even greater. The German record champions loaned replacement keeper Daniel Peretz to Southampton in the winter, where the Israeli has caused a sensation so far. There was originally a lot to suggest that the English would activate a purchase option for seven million euros. However, it is questionable whether the club can afford this as a second division team.
There is therefore much to suggest that Peretz will return to the Isar, at least temporarily. If this actually happens, Munich would have six professional goalkeepers on their books. Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich have extended their expiring contracts. The working paper of the designated new heir Jonas Urbig continues, as does that of reserve keeper Leon Klanac.
Hull City is also suffering from a spy scandal
In addition, Alexander Nübel, who will represent Bayern with VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Cup final on Saturday (8 p.m. in the Live report in the BR24Sport Livecenter) demands to return because the loan agreement with the Swabians is expiring.
Meanwhile, the consequences could have been even more serious for Hull City. The “Tigers” also met Middlesbrough in the final for promotion to the Premier League on Saturday, but their preparation was up in the air for a long time due to the length of the proceedings against Southampton. In the end it had no meaning. Thanks to a goal in the fourth minute of added time, Hull secured promotion.
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Source: BR24 May 23, 2026 – 4:54 a.m
