Sheffield Wednesday takeover race takes turn - David Storch set to make key decision | OneFootball

Reports are stating that David Storch is prepared to accept a 15-point deduction to begin next season

Sheffield Wednesday's relegation to League One has been confirmed for a few weeks now, with the focus now being on having a new owner in place for their third-tier return.

The Owls have been in administration since October, when Dejphon Chansiri finally gave up his decade-long reign as Wednesday owner after months of late wage payments to both playing and non-playing staff, fan protests and general discontent around the club.

It seemed initially that the administration process would be swift, given the sheer number of interested parties, and exclusivity was given to a consortium led by former professional poker player James Bord in December.

Unfortunately, that consortium pulled out of their bid three months later, stating that the £47.8 million bid they launched was no longer justifiable. At the time, many felt that this bid was too high, but it would have ensured that everyone who needed to be paid would be, and no further on-field punishment would be given.

Any bid lower than £30 million would result in the Owls being given a 15-point deduction, as outstanding taxes need to be covered, alongside other football creditors who must be paid 25p to the £1, including former owner Chansiri, who would be due payment in the region of £15 million.

The Storch Group is willing to take a 15-point deduction to buy Sheffield Wednesday

Right now, it's looking as if the Storch family is in the driver's seat as the bidding opened up again after James Bord pulled out. David Storch is currently in the UK, according to a report from the Sheffield Star, and has bid a "considerable" amount more than rival Mike Ashley.

And, according to an update from Alan Nixon, the Storch group is prepared to take the 15-point deduction in order to purchase the club.

The report states that the leading bidders are set to bid around £18 million, which is below the £30 million threshold that is needed to avoid on-field punishment.

There were some worries previously that the threat of the 15-point deduction would steer the Storch group away from the purchase, but it's understood that this won't be an issue anymore.

The lower offer will mean that former owner Dejphon Chansiri will be set to receive a lot less than the expected £15 million, but it will also mean that Sheffield Wednesday will begin next season in League One on -15 points.

Points deduction in 2026/27 may be the price Sheffield Wednesday needs to pay for new ownership

For Sheffield Wednesday, having a new owner in place is arguably more important than any other outcome right now, as the club is once again teetering on the brink of existence, the longer this administration process goes on.

Ultimately, the final few years of Chansiri's reign, plus the costs of being in administration, have meant that the Owls don't have many assets, and, while a £30 million bid would remove any complications surrounding creditors not being paid what they are owed, it's just not a viable option anymore.

In a way, it's rather bittersweet. Dejphon Chansiri, who put Wednesday fans through so much pain and turmoil over the past few years, hasn't benefitted as much as he would have liked through this, but it's come at the cost of starting next season with a -15 point deduction.

If the Storch family can come in, stabilise the club and set the wheels in motion for a rebuild, then Wednesday should be okay, and a possible drop into the fourth tier for the first time shouldn't be a concern.

It may ruin any chances of an immediate bounce back to the Championship in 2026/27, but that may be the price they'll have to pay to help secure their long-term future.