Sheffield Wednesday’s Financial Woes: Championship Points Deduction Looms
Sheffield Wednesday’s financial struggles have taken a turn for the worse, as the club has failed to pay its players’ wages for March. This development has triggered an automatic transfer embargo, and the club may face further sanctions, including a points deduction.
EFL Regulations and Precedents
Under EFL regulations, clubs are required to alert the authority within two working days if they fail to fulfill financial commitments to their players. Any breach results in an immediate registration embargo. The EFL has a history of imposing penalties on clubs that fail to pay their players on time.
Recent Precedents
In 2023, Reading faced a similar issue and was initially recommended for a three-point deduction per late payment breach. However, the EFL sought a four-point penalty, with a further four suspended. Ultimately, Reading lost only one point.
Wigan’s Eight-Point Deduction
Wigan Athletic was penalized twice by an independent disciplinary commission in 2023 for late player payments in March and May. As a result, the club started the 2023/24 season with minus eight points.
Morecambe’s Suspended Three-Point Deduction
Morecambe faced a suspended three-point deduction when they failed to pay players’ wages in March 2023.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Statement
The club has released a statement attributing the issue to cash flow problems within owner Dejphon Chansiri’s businesses. Chansiri has been a controversial owner at the Owls, and the club has faced financial struggles in the past.
Fans’ Concerns and Reactions
Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust chairman Ian Bennett has expressed deep concerns about the club’s financial instability and its implications on the team’s operations and reputation. Fans are growing increasingly uneasy about the club’s future, and some are calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Sunderland’s Position
Sunderland, meanwhile, sits comfortably in fourth spot in the Championship, five points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday. The Black Cats are well-placed to secure a playoff spot, while Wednesday’s lingering playoff hopes look increasingly unlikely.
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