Sheffield United Faces Possible Points Deduction Amid Ownership Dispute
Sheffield United could face points deduction amid an ongoing dispute between their COH Sports ownership and their previous owner Prince Abdullah. The EFL and Independent Football Regulator are examining the issue.
What Happened?
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes that the Blades may face punishment from the EFL if it is deemed that they have gained a "sporting advantage." Abdullah claims that he is owed £35million by COH Sports, who have refused to pay.
Why It Matters for Sheffield United
Wyness believes that a solution for the issue will be sourced as soon as possible, but added that United could find themselves in hot water if the missed payments have been invested into the footballing side of the club.
What Comes Next?
COH Sports are alleged to have transferred shares into a new company 1919 Partners LLC, which is based in Delaware in the USA. Wyness is not so sure that the ongoing dispute will have little impact on the day-to-day running of United as a club.
The EFL will try to avoid inflicting a "sanction" on United in a footballing sense at all costs. However, Wyness did note that a points deduction for 2026-27 could potentially be on the cards as a last-resort option, if the club were found to have gained an advantage.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman explained what the EFL must determine. "This is a really messy, difficult situation. I've been looking into this one in a bit more detail, and COH have resold shares in that company to another shell company. It's a very strange situation," he said.
"The key to it from the football side is if they have stopped making payments that they are due and they've used that in terms of running the football club, then they've gained a sporting advantage. That's the whole issue that we've got here. And therefore there could be a points deduction. And that's where the EFL are going to be focusing on that, as to where is the money that should have gone to the sellers, where has that money gone? Has there been a sporting advantage gained because they didn't make those payments, which they were legally due to make?
"I do expect something to be happening pretty quickly, and either they're going to have to pay up the money they owe, or else the club's going to find itself in trouble. Which is a shame because it's the actual owner that's done the transgression, not the club itself. So I'm sure the EFL will be trying to avoid a sanction on the club.
