New Sheffield Wednesday takeover twist emerges involving James Bord | OneFootball

The Owls are still yet to finalise their long-awaited takeover

A fresh update has emerged regarding the potential takeover of Sheffield Wednesday involving former professional poker player, James Bord, who has links to Steel City rivals, Sheffield United.

According to a fresh update from Alan Nixon via Patreon on Sunday morning, it may take weeks for the Owls to finalise the confirmation of their long-awaited takeover as the English Football League (EFL) will put forward a lengthy test regarding the legitimacy of the funds put on the table.

Wednesday have been under the control of administrative group, Begbies Traynor, ever since October 24th when Dejphon Chansiri finally relinquished his power at Hillsborough after a dramatic and uncertain 10 plus years in the S6 boardroom.

Henrik Pedersen's side and their supporters have since seen the club's fate for the current Championship season effectively sealed due to an 18-point deduction which has rooted them to the foot of the table on minus points, as they are now braced for a campaign in League One next term.

Fresh Sheffield Wednesday takeover update emerges involving James Bord

Ahead of the hectic Christmas and New Year period, it was confirmed that Bord had emerged as the administrators' preferred bidder ahead of the likes of Mike Ashley.

It has been widely reported that Begbies Traynor set a price of approximately £30m, which Bord has clearly met given his status in the takeover race.

However, it has also emerged that the Dunfermline Athletic co-owner is set to face complications due to his background in the world of poker and gambling.

Dale Johnson of the BBC stated earlier in the week that: "The Bord bid still has to pass the EFL's Owners and Directors' test, which may have some hurdles to overcome due to his past involvement in gambling.

"Bord started his career working for gambling firms Starlizard and Smartodds, won $4.3m (£3.2m) on the pro poker circuit."

It has now been reported by Nixon that a fair portion of the cash fronted by Bord was generated in the Middle East, whilst Dunfermline and another of his clubs, Córdoba CF, are set to become linked to the Owls.

It has been stated that whilst this should not be an issue, the EFL are likely to take their time, which will add further hints of nervousness amongst Wednesdayites, who are desperate for clarity to be provided on the situation.

James Bord's takeover links with Sheffield Wednesday have sparked Sheffield United discourse

It has also been well-documented that Bord, of course, played an advisory role in the Blades' recruitment drive in the summer under American ownership group, COH Sports.

The mixed fortunes of those incomings - some of which have since had loan spells cut short - has led to further scepticism.

However, those in S6 will hope the 44-year-old can be the man to progress Wednesday forward after several years of uncertainty.