Sheff Utd could face points deduction after High Court ruling
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Sheffield United could be hit with a 12-point deduction after COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL), the company used to complete the club's £100m takeover, was placed into liquidation by the High Court. The winding-up order followed a petition from United World, the club's former owners, over roughly £35m still owed on the deal. The situation matters because it raises fresh questions over the Championship club's ownership structure and financial stability, just as the new season gets under way.
CSBL, headed by co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, had no representation at the brief High Court hearing, and the former owners said they had tried to resolve the debt amicably but received no response. Complicating matters, the club's shares were transferred in June from CSBL into a new US-based company, 1919 Partners LLC, meaning the liquidated company technically no longer controls the club, though the same individuals remain in charge. Sheffield United were already docked two points last season over missed payments dating back to Prince Abdullah's ownership, and the EFL says it is reviewing the implications of CSBL's liquidation alongside other regulatory matters linked to the club's ownership changes, while the Independent Football Regulator is also seeking further information.
- CSBL, the firm used to buy Sheffield United, was liquidated by the High Court
- Roughly £35m from the £100m takeover deal remains unpaid
- EFL and Independent Football Regulator are reviewing possible action against the club
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Sheffield United are a Championship football club that changed hands in a £100m takeover deal, with a company called COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL) used to complete the purchase from the previous owners, United World. Disputes over money owed as part of that deal have now led to legal action in the High Court, which has serious implications for how the club is run and whether it can continue to compete without being penalised.
The English Football League (EFL), which governs the Championship, has rules requiring clubs to be financially stable and properly owned, and it can dock points from clubs that fall foul of these rules. Sheffield United already lost two points last season over separate unpaid debts linked to a previous owner, Prince Abdullah, so this is not the first time the club's finances have come under scrutiny.
The situation is also complicated by the fact that CSBL, the company at the centre of the court case, transferred its ownership of the club to a different, US-based company earlier this year, even though the people running the club remain the same. This has raised questions for both the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator, a newer body set up to oversee football club ownership, about who is actually accountable and what any further sanctions might mean for the club going into the new season.
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