Sheff Utd slapped with two-point deduction as punishment set to kick in next season
SHEFFIELD UNITED will start next season on -2 points if they are relegated.
That is because the Blades have been slapped with a two-point deduction by the EFL.
The punishment relates to the Yorkshire club defaulting on payments during the 2022-23 season, when they were in the Championship, the EFL’s top division.
However, because United got promoted, the EFL cannot punish them this season while they are still in the Premier League.
And so the points deduction can only set in once they return to the EFL – which looks almost certain to be next season.
Chris Wilder’s struggling side currently sit bottom of the Premier League table.
They have picked up just three wins and 16 points all season, shipping a whopping 82 goals in 31 matches.
That sees them nine points adrift of Nottingham Forest and 11 off Everton, who have both had deductions this season for breaching Profit & Sustainability Rules.
An EFL statement said: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the Club is in the EFL’s jurisdiction, with a further two points suspended until the end of that same season.
“The sanction relates to the 2022-23 season, when the Club defaulted on a number of payments to other Clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.
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“The suspended points deduction will be activated if the Club defaults on any payment due to another Club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.
“The Club has agreed to pay the EFL’s costs in the sum of £310,455.”
Sheffield United launched their own statement in response, expressing how “disappointed” they are by the decision.
The Blades hit back: “The club’s position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full, on several occasions only days after they were initially due, or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.
“The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question.
“While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs effected Sheffield United’s financial situation, the club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.”
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