The Board of Directors of The Football League has agreed to the takeover of Southampton Football Club by a company controlled by Markus Liebherr.

The Saints have now completed all the necessary formalities required to enable the Club to compete in League 1 next season. Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said:

"I would like to congratulate all those associated with the club that have helped to secure Southampton's future. I would especially like to thank Saints' supporters for rallying to the club's cause during one of the most difficult periods in its history.

"The League is delighted to welcome the new owners of Southampton Football Club to our competition. We appreciate the professionalism and commitment that they have shown during these negotiations. In particular, they should be commended for agreeing the deal in a very tight timeframe and for being the first potential purchaser to have everything in place to take the club forward."