Newly-promoted WSL club London City Lionesses slapped with fine for attempting to sign player by sliding into their DMs

An independent regulatory commission found that London City's managing director, Sarah Batters, sent a player a private social media message during last summer's transfer window which read: "Hiya – just so you know, we’ve made the approach and have spoken to [redacted name] and they are open to sell...There’s the question of the fee, but what would your salary expectations be? Obviously I would love to make this happen!!"

This, however, came three hours before Southampton responded to an email from London City. In that, the now-promoted side explained that they would not be able to pay the release clause in the player's contract. In their response, the Saints said that they would not "be engaging in conversations with you regarding a transfer", adding: "We have received interest from a number of clubs and some are prepared to meet the release fee." The hearing, which took place in March, also heard that Batters contacted the player through social media in July for details for her agent.

The regulatory commission noted that London City, who admitted to the charge, had apologised and co-operated with the disciplinary process and, learning that the club said it had been prepared to pay £150,000 ($201,500) to sign the player, calculated a fine of £15,000 ($20,150).

London City Lionesses are owned by Michele Kang, who also owns NWSL side Washington Spirit and French champions Lyon. They will be the first fully independent women’s club to compete in the WSL when the 2025-26 season kicks off, after pipping Birmingham City to the Women's Championship title last month.