'Very strange' Sheffield United situation could trigger points deduction | OneFootball

Sheffield United could face the consequences of a legal dispute between COH Sports and Prince Abdullah

Sheffield United are preparing for the new Championship campaign after a disappointing last 12 months.

The Blades reached the play-off final in 2025, but lost 2-1 to Sunderland and were consigned to another year in the second tier.

And Chris Wilder’s side struggled to replicate the same form, with the team ultimately coming 13th, 13 points adrift of the top six.

But the 58-year-old will have his sights set on getting back into the mix for a place in the Premier League, particularly with the play-offs expanding to include two more teams from 2026/27.

However, issues behind the scenes have emerged during the summer, with former owner Prince Abdullah issuing a winding-up petition to the new owners COH Sports.

It’s been claimed that the Saudi Arabian businessman is seeking up to £35 million in late payments as part of the sale of the club.

Sheffield United facing points deduction threat

Action Images

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has claimed COH Sport’s decision to transfer their shares of the club to a new company, 1919 Partners LLC, could have serious ramifications on Sheffield United, which could lead to a points deduction.

He believes the EFL will take a closer look at this situation, and that it is possible that this move helped gain an advantage, if it meant they were able to avoid paying the full amount owed to Prince Abdullah.

"This is a really messy, difficult situation,” said Wyness, via Football Insider.

“I've been looking into this one in a bit more detail, and COH have resold shares in that company to another shell company.

“It's a very strange situation.

"The key to it from the football side is if they have stopped making payments that they are due and they've used that in terms of running the football club, then they've gained a sporting advantage.

"That's the whole issue that we've got here.

“And therefore there could be a points deduction.

“And that's where the EFL are going to be focusing on that, as to where is the money that should have gone to the sellers, where has that money gone?

"Has there been a sporting advantage gained because they didn't make those payments, which they were legally due to make?”

Wyness believes that a resolution will be found quickly, and that the Sheffield United owners will have to pay up, or else face possible sporting sanctions from the EFL.

"I do expect something to be happening pretty quickly, and either they're going to have to pay up the money they owe, or else the club's going to find itself in trouble,” he added.

"Which is a shame because it's the actual owner that's done the transgression, not the club itself.

“So I'm sure the EFL will be trying to avoid a sanction on the club."

Sheffield United were taken over by COH Sports in December 2024 amid the team’s promotion push, purchasing the club from Prince Abdullah.

The 2025/26 campaign was their first full year in charge, and supporters were disappointed with the side slipping into the bottom half of the table.

The Blades endured a tricky season in which Ruben Selles, who was appointed as head coach after the 2025 play-off final loss, lasted just five league games in charge.

Wilder was brought back, with Steven Rosen leading the process of the 58-year-old’s return.

The experienced coach is in his third stint in charge at Bramall Lane, and has previously led the club from League One to the Premier League.

However, any possible points deduction would significantly harm Sheffield United’s chances of a promotion push in the Championship in 2027.

Points deduction would be a disaster for Sheffield United

COH Sports did not make a strong first impression at Sheffield United, as their first major moves included dismissing Wilder and overseeing their messy 2025 transfer business.

There has also been a lack of transparency from the owners over this legal dispute with Prince Abdullah, and some clarity would be welcome.

A points deduction would be another black mark against the group that owns Sheffield United, and fans could turn on them completely at that stage.

It would also all but end their hopes of a promotion push next season given how competitive the battle for the top eight is likely to be.