Sheffield Wednesday Plunged Deeper into Relegation Trouble
Sheffield Wednesday's already precarious position at the bottom of the Championship has worsened following a further six-point deduction imposed by the English Football League (EFL). This latest penalty, coupled with a three-year ban for former owner Dejphon Chansiri, casts a long shadow over the club's future.
The EFL's decision stems from multiple breaches of regulations, primarily the failure to pay players in March, May, and June, as well as outstanding payments to staff and HMRC, according to BBC Radio Sheffield reports. This new deduction compounds the 12-point penalty already levied in October after the club entered administration.
The Owls now find themselves languishing on minus 10 points, a daunting 27 points adrift of Swansea City in 21st place, the lowest position outside of the relegation zone. Relegation to League One appears increasingly inevitable.
Chansiri's Ban Marks End of an Era
Dejphon Chansiri's three-year ban from owning or directing any EFL club effectively ends his decade-long association with Sheffield Wednesday. Chansiri led a Thai consortium that took over the club in 2015, but the subsequent slide into administration signaled the end of his tenure. The EFL confirmed the ban and the points deduction in a statement released on the Sheffield Wednesday website.
"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, with Mr Dejphon Chansiri prohibited from being an owner or director of any EFL Club for a period of three years," the statement read.
No Further Points Deduction Expected This Season
Despite ongoing investigations into the club's conduct during the current season by the independent Club Financial Reporting Unit, the EFL has stated that it is not seeking any further points deductions. This provides a small measure of relief for the beleaguered club and its supporters.
"While matters remain ongoing in respect of the issues being considered by the independent Club Financial Reporting Unit, for alleged breaches in the 2025-26 season prior to the club entering administration, the league can confirm that it is not seeking any further points deductions from the club," the EFL statement clarified.
Future Ownership Uncertain as Administration Continues
Administrators are currently working to identify a preferred bidder to take over the club and have previously expressed hope of reaching a decision by Friday. The change in ownership represents the best, and perhaps only, hope for Sheffield Wednesday to rebuild and restore its former glory.
Discussions between the EFL and Sheffield Wednesday are ongoing regarding the appeal against the fee restriction, which is currently set to run until the end of the winter 2027 transfer window. The EFL anticipates this matter will be resolved as part of the club's exit from administration.
The club's fans now face the grim reality of a near-certain relegation while anxiously awaiting news of a new owner who can steer the club back towards stability and success.
