WhatsApp messages obtained through an arbitration panel's report have revealed the extent of Southampton Football Club's surveillance operations targeting their Championship rivals during the recent season.

The leaked communications show how the club orchestrated what has become known as 'Spygate,' with messages indicating direct involvement from coaching staff. The messages include exchanges praising successful intelligence-gathering efforts, with one communication stating 'You legend. Manager loved it.'

The arbitration panel's findings implicate head coach Tonda Eckert in the surveillance activities. The report details how the club placed what it describes as 'extreme pressure' on interns to participate in the spying operations against other Championship teams.

Southampton was ultimately excluded from the Championship play-off final as a consequence of these activities. The club's surveillance campaign appears to have been systematic, involving multiple staff members and targeting various rival teams throughout the season.

The revelations provide new insight into the methods and scope of Southampton's intelligence-gathering operations, which violated league regulations regarding fair competition. The arbitration panel's report represents the most detailed account to date of the club's controversial activities during their Championship campaign.