SOUTHAMPTON were yesterday consigned to relegation to League One after the Football League in England deducted the south-coast club 10 points.

The governing body launched an investigation into the Saints’ finances after their holding company, Southampton Leisure Holdings plc, went into administration.

Southampton argued that because the club itself was not in administration, they should avoid the mandatory points penalty.

But the League yesterday decided the club and the holding company were “inextricably linked as one economic entity”, and the 10-point deduction stands.

As the holding company, chaired by ex-club chairman Rupert Lowe, entered administration after the League’s March deadline, the points deduction will take effect this season should Southampton avoid relegation.

However, if the club goes down anyway – they are four points adrift with two games remaining – then they will begin next season in League One on minus 10 points.

Southampton are likely to appeal against the decision, meaning further uncertainty towards the end of a turbulent season for the club both on and off the field.