| Spygate 1 versus Spygate 2 13:53 - Sep 30 with 715 views | MattFinish |
Let’s compare the FA’s handling of Spygate 1 and Spygate 2.
The FA rule that has been in place since 2011 which covers both Spygate 1 (Bielsa) and Spygate 2 (Tonda) is FA Rule E3.1 (acting improperly or bringing the game into disrepute).
The FA took exactly 38 days to consider and conclude its investigation into the Bielsa incident. On 11 January 2019 the FA officially announced it would be investigating the matter, less than 24 hours after a Leeds United staff member was caught outside Derby County's training ground. On 18 February 2019 the FA brought the case to a close.
If you look at the number of clubs Bielsa openly admitted to spying on his offence is 8 times as bad as Tonda’s. Bielsa even made a Powerpoint presentation about it!
The FA decided not to charge Bielsa with misconduct, choosing instead to issue formal warnings to Leeds United, Bielsa, and the club's video analyst.
Our intern was caught spying on 7 May 2026, 147 days ago. The FA officially launched its investigation on 21 May 2026 which is 133 days ago.
So why has it taken them 95 days longer (and counting) to judge a lesser offence using the same rule?
There is something corrupt happening here and I hope our solicitors are on the ball with this.
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| Spygate 1 versus Spygate 2 on 14:46 - Sep 30 with 602 views | dirk_doone |
I posted this on another thread, but it seems pertinent here.
England had to change their flight plans to Mexico because if they didn't get there in time to make their final training session open to the public, they'd have been breaking the FIFA rule, which is the exact opposite of the EFL rule. So, is having a secret training session cheating? Having rules in the game which totally contradict each other shows how arbitrary and ridiculous this case is.
In the World Cup and Champions League, teams making their final training sessions open to the public is the norm. Meanwhile, the EFL has gone off in completely the opposite direction from all other football authorities and leagues. Sport should be fair and open; nothing should be done secretively. The FA should rein them in.
FIFA is a much higher authority than the EFL so perhaps their rule should be considered more important by the FA. FIFA gave Bielsa their Fair Play Award at the end of his 'spygate' season. [Post edited 30 Sep 17:47]
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