"Sources with knowledge of the situation maintain Southampton’s ownership were unaware of the spying campaign.
Instead, Eckert admitted responsibility. The 33-year-old has held positions with the German national team, as part of their 2012 European Championship campaign, as well as the youth teams at FC Köln, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich. He has also been assistant manager at Barnsley and at Italian club Genoa.
His key defence was that, since the practice is widespread on the continent, he had no idea he was breaking English football’s rules.
Eckert has been badly bruised by the scandal and fears he could be banned by the Football Association and lose his job at Southampton.
He and Spors are both highly likely to face disciplinary action from the FA, potentially along with Southampton’s intern analyst Salt, who was pictured filming."