Sheffield Wednesday Faces Additional Points Deduction Amid Ongoing Financial Issues

Sheffield Wednesday is currently facing severe challenges in the Championship after being hit with an additional six-point deduction by the English Football League (EFL). This latest penalty places the club 27 points away from safety within the league.

The former owner, Dejphon Chansiri, has been banned for three years from owning or serving as a director at any EFL club.

According to BBC Radio Sheffield, this most recent deduction stems from the club’s failure to meet payroll obligations in March, May, and June, alongside other non-payments to staff and HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).

In October, Sheffield Wednesday faced a 12-point deduction after the club entered administration, leading to their current standing at minus ten points, and 27 points behind Swansea, who sits in 21st place.

Ongoing investigations are examining the club’s conduct during the current season; however, the EFL has confirmed that it does not intend to impose any further points deductions at this time. A statement on the Sheffield Wednesday website confirmed the six-point deduction and the ban on Chansiri.

“The EFL can confirm that Sheffield Wednesday FC are to be deducted six points with immediate effect for multiple breaches of EFL Regulations relating to payment obligations, and Mr. Dejphon Chansiri is prohibited from being an owner or director of any EFL Club for a period of three years,” it read.

“While investigations into the issues considered by the independent Club Financial Reporting Unit are ongoing, the league has stated it does not seek any further penalties against the club.”

Additionally, the EFL and Sheffield Wednesday are in discussions regarding an appeal concerning a fee restriction that is expected to persist until the end of the winter 2027 transfer window. This matter is anticipated to be resolved as part of the club’s exit from administration.

Chansiri led a Thai consortium that took ownership of Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, but the club’s entry into administration has effectively concluded his decade-long tenure.

Administrators are currently working to identify a preferred bidder for the club, with hopes to finalize this by Friday.

Before the recent points deduction, Sheffield Wednesday was all but certain to face relegation.

**Analysis by Rob Staton, BBC Radio Sheffield:**

Sheffield Wednesday supporters seeking clarity on their situation received some encouraging news today. The Owls will commence the next season with zero points, which is undoubtedly a relief for fans and potential new owners.

Moreover, contrary to previous information, it is now understood that the fee restriction imposed on the Owls, which was set to last until the summer transfer window of 2027, will conclude in January. This is significant, as it allows new owners to formulate an immediate transfer strategy to facilitate the club’s recovery from League One, which appears inevitable.

Additionally, it has been reported that a bidder was shown around Hillsborough today, indicating that there are multiple interested parties who surpass the ’25p in the pound’ threshold, thereby protecting the club from facing further penalties upon exiting administration.

This tumultuous period for Sheffield Wednesday appears to be shifting positively, and today’s developments will likely be welcomed by supporters. The new owners will have a clean slate to work towards revitalizing the club’s fortunes.