Dejphon Chansiri issues Sheffield Wednesday apology but it won't heal Owls wounds | OneFootball

Dejphon Chansiri has issued an apology in response to salaries being paid late at Sheffield Wednesday. However, it won't heal the Owls fan's wounds.

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has issued an apology after the EFL confirmed that he and the club were charged with a breach of the league's regulations due to the late payment of wages in March and May.

First failing to pay players and staff on time in March, Wednesday, outlined a cashflow issue behind the delay. However, news last week revealed that once again, players and staff had not received their May wages on time. Some are still waiting to be issued the money owed, despite assurances that any outstanding salaries would be paid by Monday evening.

In response to the ongoing controversy, owner Dejphon Chansiri issued an apology in an official club statement.

Dejphon Chansiri issues an apology in response to salary controversy

On the club's official website, a statement read: "The club continue to seek a resolution regarding outstanding salaries due for the month of May at the earliest possible opportunity."

"Mr Chansiri sincerely apologises to all players, coaches and staff affected and everyone connected with the club."

"We will make no further comment at this time."

Responding to a similar situation in March, Chansiri said that the Owls were dangerously close to reaching the maximum 30-day limit of late wage payments in a single year. A breach of this would result in the club being struck with a three-transfer window ban.

Chansiri issues apology - But Owls wounds won't heal

For many supporters, the signs have long pointed towards a necessary sale of the club. Speaking to Owls FLW Fan Pundit Patrick in May, he believes that the continuous worsening of his financial grip could finally bring that moment to fruition.

"By rights, he should have sold up by now. There is no logic in him hanging on. He is having to throw money at the club every month just to keep it going, and he is really struggling to do this every year," he said.

"There have been consistent issues with players' wages, so he really, at this stage, has to start listening to offers and sell it at a reasonable price. But I think this issue of a reasonable price could be a real hindrance in negotiations. What Chansiri thinks he should get for the club and what it is in reality are two different things."

While Wednesday's club statement may read as contrite, it has done little to quell the growing unrest among the fanbase.

This is not the first time he has been forced into damage control, and for many, his apologies ring hollow.

The recurring financial crises under his stewardship, from points deductions to public pleas for supporter bailouts, have steadily eroded trust. In October 2023, Chansiri drew widespread condemnation after asking fans to contribute £2 million to help pay off debts to HMRC and ensure staff were paid on time.

The EFL’s confirmation of the charges only adds to the growing list of infractions under Chansiri’s reign. Sheffield Wednesday have already served a points deduction for financial misconduct in recent years.

And with the threat of a potential transfer embargo looming if wage issues persist, the situation is no longer merely embarrassing, it is actively undermining the club’s competitive prospects. Currently, Wednesday are being run on a month-by-month basis, with no sustainable financial model in place.

Unless significant change occurs soon, be it in ownership or operational strategy, the long-term health of one of England’s historic clubs remains in doubt. And for a fanbase that has endured years of turbulence, apologies no longer suffice.

Charges arrive amid turbulent on-pitch period

The latest in a long line of off-field issues at Hillsborough arrive at what is a particularly turbulent time for the Owls.

Wednesday finished 12th in the Championship last term, and ongoing uncertainty continues to cloud any hope of continuity that fans may have, with the future of manager Danny Röhl remaining in doubt.

In his first managerial role, the 36-year-old has pulled off an unbelievable relegation comeback, taking a down-and-out side out of the bottom three in the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign before lifting them to a mid-table finish this time around.

EFL charges intensify scrutiny on Chansiri's leadership at Hillsborough

It was revealed on Monday that Dejphon Chansiri had reached out to some of his business associates in an effort to raise the funds required to pay the remaining outstanding wages. However, as the delays continued with no resolution in sight, the EFL confirmed that both Sheffield Wednesday and Chansiri have now been charged with breaches of league regulations. They have been given 14 days to respond.

In an official statement, the EFL said: "Sheffield Wednesday Football Club has been charged with multiple breaches of EFL Regulations relating to payment obligations."

"The owner of Sheffield Wednesday, Dejphon Chansiri, has also been charged with causing the Club to be in breach of EFL Regulations despite his commitment to fund the cash requirements of the Club."

"All charges relate to both the Ultimate Beneficial Owner and the Club failing to meet their obligations to pay players’ wages on time and in full in March and May 2025."

"The Club and Mr Chansiri have 14 days to respond to the charges."

Though the EFL’s statement was inevitable, the formal charges against Sheffield Wednesday and Dejphon Chansiri mark another serious escalation at a time when the club is already mired in financial uncertainty. With wages still unpaid and confidence in the ownership at an all-time low, the development casts further doubt on the club’s immediate stability.

News that Chansiri recently rejected a second takeover bid from a Florida-based consortium has only deepened frustration among supporters. Many are now questioning his motives. If he can no longer fund the club effectively, why refuse credible offers? For a growing number of fans, there is hope that the EFL’s intervention could serve as a turning point, one that finally compels Chansiri to relinquish control.