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Need to know Why are Southampton on -4 points? Championship points deduction explained Southampton travel to Watford for their Championship opener but Tonda Eckhert's side will start the season on minus four points Everything you need to know about Southampton's points deduction - Championship opener: Southampton will begin their Championship campaign against Watford on Sunday afternoon and they'll start the season at the foot of the table thanks to their points deduction. But why were they hit with this penalty? - Points deduction: An Independent Disciplinary Commission issued the four-point penalty alongside expelling the Saints from last season's promotion play-off final after the major "Spygate" scandal. The club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL regulations regarding good faith and sporting integrity. - Caught red-handed: Club analysis staff were caught covertly watching and filming rival teams' closed training sessions without permission prior to competitive matches. The unauthorised espionage occurred across three distinct fixtures during the season, targeting Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. - Analyst spotted: The final incident was uncovered when a Southampton analyst was caught hidden behind a tree filming Middlesbrough's tactics right before their play-off semi-final. Official findings from the disciplinary hearing revealed that the spying operation was a deliberate plan authorised and directed from the top down by head coach Tonda Eckert. - The appeal: Southampton appealed the severity of the punishment. But a League Arbitration Panel rejected the appeal and upheld the points deduction in full. They therefore start the season on minus four points. - Potential manager ban: In addition to the club starting four points in the red, manager Eckert faces personal discipline after being formally charged with three counts of misconduct by the Football Association. If found guilty under FA Rule E3.1, Eckert could face a lengthy touchline or football-wide suspension. - READ MORE: Southampton boss Tonda Eckert says he received death threats after Spygate scandal Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts. This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.