Sheffield United face two-point deduction for EFL breach | OneFootball

The EFL have confirmed Sheffield United have been docked two points ahead of the 2024/25 season, with a further two suspended until the end of that campaign.

The decision comes after the Blades after the EFL found the club had defaulted on several transfer payments in the 2022/23 season, in which they won promotion to the Premier League and will come into effect when they are relegated and next take their place in the Championship.

In an official statement, it said: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United 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 xlub defaulted on a number of payments to other clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.

“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.”

United also released their own statement in which they said: “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.”

Chris Wilder’s side are almost certain to return to the Championship ahead of the new season, as they current sit bottom and nine points off Premier League safety.