Tonda Eckert was fined £28,000 and reprimanded but avoided a lengthy ban, allowing him to continue in his role at the Championship club. (EPA Images pic)

LONDON: Southampton boss Tonda Eckert on Wednesday escaped major punishment for his role in the so-called "Spygate" scandal after the Football Association announced a suspended ban.

Eckert has also been fined £28,000 (US$37,000) and given a reprimand but avoided a lengthy ban and is free to continue in his role at the Championship club.

Saints were kicked out of last season's Championship play-off final and docked four points in the current campaign, having admitted three breaches of English Football League regulations after being caught snooping on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough and two other teams.