Sheffield Wednesday takeover news: Key David Storch check underway, legal appointment, fans message | OneFootball

Football League World rounds up all the latest Sheffield Wednesday takeover news

David Storch has continued progressing towards becoming Sheffield Wednesday's next owner, having been named by administrators as the Owls' preferred bidder.

Henrik Pedersen's side lost 2-0 to Ipswich Town at Hillsborough on Saturday, meaning they have now lost 28 of their 38 Championship fixtures this term.

The Owls were already relegated to League One when they were beaten 2-1 by cross-city rivals Sheffield United last month, and supporters have long since been more concerned by off-field activities.

However, Wednesday, who remain on a negative points tally, will do all they can to ensure they earn at least one more victory before the season draws to a close.

Meanwhile, Football League World rounds up all the latest takeover developments at Hillsborough.

EFL begin Owners' and Directors' Test as David Storch vies to complete Sheffield Wednesday takeover

Owls supporters and Storch are united in hoping that the American's consortium complete their takeover of the South Yorkshire outfit as soon as possible.

Therefore, everyone associated with the Hillsborough club will be pleased by the news that, as revealed by the Sheffield Star, Storch is now undergoing the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test.

The Independent Football Regulator's CEO, Richard Monks, told the Star: "As I understand it, the preferred bidder is currently going through the Football League's Owners' and Director's Test.

"If that process isn't concluded by the start of May then our test kicks in, and they would have to go through and pass our requirements. I am comfortable with the level of understanding on this, not least because we've worked with the administrators on this over the last four or five months, and they understand where the EFL's rules and regime ends and where our regime starts."

Storch previously told BBC Radio Sheffield that he wants to complete his Wednesday takeover by 'very early May'.

David Storch consortium appoint lawyer amid Sheffield Wednesday restrictions

The aforementioned Sheffield Star report added that Storch's Arise consortium have enlisted top football lawyer Nick De Marco to discuss any legal matters that may stem from talks with the EFL.

De Marco will also discuss Storch's uncomfortability with the EFL's sanctions on Wednesday heading into next season.

As previously reported by the Sheffield Star, one of the restrictions imposed on the Owls means that individual player wages cannot exceed £7,000 per week, and their overall wage bill will be capped at £7million.

Storch's bid has fallen below the amount required to pay the creditors 25p in the pound and subsequently avoid a 15-point deduction, while the wage restrictions will further dent the South Yorkshire side's chances of staving off the threat of eventual relegation to League Two.

David Storch addresses Sheffield Wednesday supporters in passionate social media post

Even though Wednesday are set to endure another tough campaign next term, even if Storch successfully completes his takeover in a timely fashion, the American remains optimistic about the future.

Posting on X on Saturday, he wrote: "Back in the States now, reflecting on an unbelievable week in Sheffield. On behalf of Michael (Storch), Tom (Costin) and myself, I want to thank the wonderful city of Sheffield, the local members of the community we met, the Supporters’ Trust and the Sheffield Wednesday fans for making us feel so incredibly welcome.

"We are listening to and collaborating with talented Wednesdayites across the city to ensure we deliver a best-in-class fan experience. Whilst we continue to work diligently to become stewards of this unique and historic club, please know that we will be doing everything we can in the interest of a “Better Wednesday” and a brighter future for everyone associated with Sheffield Wednesday."

Storch and his business partner, Costin, were both in attendance when the Owls drew 1-1 with Watford last Tuesday, which marked their first unbeaten game since the turn of the year.