Southampton Manager Tonda Eckert will retain his position despite his involvement in the “Spygate” scandal that led to significant sanctions for the club, owner Dragan Solak announced. Southampton was expelled from the Championship playoffs last month and handed a four-point deduction for the following season after admitting to repeatedly spying on rival teams’ training sessions.

An arbitration panel, in a detailed report released Monday, highlighted Eckert’s central role in the controversy. The panel described the incident as a carefully orchestrated scheme initiated from the top levels of the club to secure an unfair competitive advantage. It noted that analysts tasked with conducting covert filming felt pressured to carry out the instructions dictated by Eckert and other senior coaching staff.

Despite the fallout, Solak conveyed confidence in Eckert’s leadership in a video address to supporters, stating that the manager remains integral to the team’s future ambitions.

Meanwhile, Liverpool has reportedly entered talks with Andoni Iraola to replace the recently dismissed Arne Slot as head coach. According to an individual familiar with the discussions, the club is seeking a coach who will implement a more attack-focused style of play. Iraola, formerly of Bournemouth, has emerged as the leading candidate for the position.

In other developments, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment, which he described as progressing well.

At Fulham, head coach Marco Silva will depart following five years at the club, a move confirmed by both parties. Silva, originally from Lisbon, is reportedly being considered by Benfica as a potential successor to Jose Mourinho, who is widely speculated to be preparing for a return to Real Madrid.

On the international stage, Alphonso Davies has joined the Canadian national team as they gear up for the World Cup, though he remains sidelined. The Bayern Munich left back is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last month during the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain.