Parsons speaks more directly when discussing whether the club has already faced sufficient punishment.
“We still do not know what penalty the FA will impose,” he says. “It might be a lengthy suspension, a brief one, or even a suspended sanction.
“As a club, we hope they consider our current position and everything we have already endured, because that should be part of their decision. In my view, we have suffered enough. The consequences have been painful, and I believe this ranks among the most severe sanctions in football, perhaps even in sporting history.
“The effects extend beyond the club and reach real people. Our absence from the Premier League reduces our income, while local businesses also lose revenue. We have also spent a substantial amount on legal costs, placing the club under even greater pressure. We are not trying to portray ourselves as victims. We must move forward and accept the situation we have been given.”
Asked whether the EFL’s penalties targeted the club rather than Eckert personally, Parsons says: “I do not think the manager can be sanctioned without causing further damage to the club. You can only hope those responsible examine the circumstances fairly and reach a balanced judgment.”
The closest recent comparison occurred during the 2024 Olympic women’s tournament, when Fifa suspended Canada head coach Bev Priestman from all football activity for one year after New Zealand, one of their opponents, was secretly observed.
Parsons maintains that “the situation involving Canada was entirely different”. However, if Eckert, whose contract runs only until the end of the season, also receives a suspension, the club may eventually need to consider appointing another coach.
“We simply do not know,” he says, firmly rejecting suggestions that the club has contacted possible replacements in case Eckert is forced to depart. Parsons adds that an appeal could be considered if the decision goes against the club.
“There is no value in worrying about something that remains beyond our control,” he says. “We will respond when the time comes, but we hope the matter is assessed reasonably.”
According to Parsons, the club’s owners intend to continue supporting Eckert.
“We have spent a complete transfer window bringing in players for Tonda,” he says. “That creates an additional difficulty.
“What you want is consistency and a fair process. Have we received that, or has the punishment been excessive? Many people may believe it has been disproportionate. But do we intend to keep complaining about it? No.
“It would be extremely difficult to accept another sanction after exclusion from the play-offs, a four-point penalty this season following what happened in the previous campaign, and the possibility of further consequences. We sincerely hope the FA and its panel take account of everything that has already occurred, because the impact has been severe.”
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