Why hello there! This is Beyond The Pitch, where we explore the scores and fixtures of the FIFA World Cup, Premier League, and the English Football League, from The Pitch to The Headlines.

SOUTHAMPTON BOSS TONDA ECKERT KEEPS JOB AFTER 'SPYGATE' SCANDAL

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert will continue in his role after being handed a six-week ban suspended until the end of next season over the 'Spygate' scandal.

Southampton were kicked out of the Championship play-off final and given a four point deduction for this season, having admitted three breaches of EFL regulations after being caught spying on semi-final opponents Middlesborough and other teams.

Eckert accepted full responsibility and was charged by the FA with three breaches of Rule E3.1 in relation to "misconduct".

A statement from the governing body read: "Tonda Eckert subsequently admitted the charges, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-week suspension from all football and football-related activity, which is suspended until the end of the 2027/28 season, a £28,000 fine, and a reprimand following a hearing."

The club, who sit 13th in the Championship, say "measures have been put in place to ensure that such errors in judgement never happen again at our club" and they are "excited to move forward together towards a bright future".

Southampton beat Middlesbrough and were due to play Hull City in the play-off final before Boro was reinstated.

Southampton's stadium | Source: Sky Sports
 

MIKEL ARTETA AGREES TO NEW ARSENAL CONTRACT

Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract to extend his stay at Arsenal. The 44-year-old's existing contract with the Premier League champions, signed in September 2024, was due to expire next summer.

He became the Arsenal manager in 2019 and has committed his future to the club until June 2030. He guided the club to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season following three straight second-place finishes.

He also led the Gunners to only their second Champions League final, which they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain. He has also won an FA Cup and three Community Shields.

Only four managers – Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Arsene Wenger – have won the Premier League title more than once. Arteta will be hoping to join this list.

Mikel Arteta | Source: Sky Sports
 

LIONEL MESSI ENDS ARGENTINA CAREER WITH GOAL AND TWO ASSISTS

Lionel Messi finishes his international career with 208 senior caps, the most of any player in the team's history, with his 126 goals for Argentina also a record.

Messi won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa Americas during his 21-year spell on the international stage.

Messi also created the first two goals, assisting first another departing Argentina player, 38-year-old centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and then Nico Paz.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said of his captain: "It's been a dream come true. I never thought I'd be the coach of the best footballer in history."

Lionel Messi | Source: Sky Sports

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