Sheffield United Await EFL Review After Takeover Vehicle Liquidated

Sheffield United are awaiting a decision from the English Football League after the High Court placed the company used to buy the Championship club into liquidation on Wednesday. BBC Sport reported that the insolvency could expose United to a 12-point deduction, but no penalty is automatic because the wound-up business is separate from the football club.

Watch the highlights:

COH Sports Bidco Limited agreed to purchase Sheffield United for just over £100 million in December 2024, according to the BBC, with about £35 million of the deal still unpaid. United World, the investment company through which Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad Al Saud previously owned the club, filed a winding-up petition against COH Sports last month. The company had no representation at Wednesday’s hearing, which the BBC said lasted about 10 seconds.

The ownership structure changed before the court ruling. Shares in Sheffield United were transferred in June from COH Sports Bidco to the US-based 1919 Partners LLC, which became the club’s parent company. Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy headed the liquidated company and also control United through 1919 Partners, leaving the EFL to assess how closely the insolvency remains connected to the club.

In a statement reported by the BBC, the EFL said it would consider the implications of the liquidation, including whether further action is required. The league is also examining regulatory issues linked to changes in the club’s ownership structure and developments elsewhere in the wider group. The Independent Football Regulator told the BBC earlier this week that it was in contact with Sheffield United to obtain more information.

EFL rules treat the insolvency of a group undertaking differently from a club entering administration. The league board must consider factors including the integrity and continuity of the competition and the league’s reputation. The BBC reported that the board could decide the circumstances constitute a breach and could apply a 12-point deduction, although that outcome has not been determined.

Sheffield United have not yet commented on the ruling. United World said it had tried to resolve the dispute amicably but received no response, while the outstanding debt has not been denied by the current owners, according to the BBC. The Blades opened their league season with a goalless home draw against Birmingham City, but their position in the table could now depend on an evidence-based EFL judgment that has no announced timetable.