Southampton set to appeal 10-point relegation penalty

SOUTHAMPTON are set to launch an appeal against the 10-point penalty which has condemned them to relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship.

The Football League imposed the penalty having investigated Saints’ finances since their holding company, Southampton Leisure Holdings plc, went into administration. Southampton argued that because the club itself is not in administration they should avoid the mandatory points penalty, but the League yesterday decided the 10-point deduction stands.

If the club finish outside the bottom three they will still be relegated as the points will be taken from this season’s total, while if they finish in the drop zone they will start next season in League One on minus-10 points.