Sheffield United risk a 12-point deduction after the High Court ordered the liquidation of the company used to acquire the club on Wednesday.
COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL) agreed in December 2024 to buy the Championship side for just over £100m, with around £35m of the purchase price still outstanding.
United World, the club’s former owners, filed a winding-up petition against CSBL last month.
CSBL, led by co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, did not appear at the High Court hearing, which lasted roughly 10 seconds.
The previous ownership group said they had tried to resolve the dispute amicably but received no reply.
A Sheffield United spokesperson said the club was aware of the hearing, describing it as an issue between the current and former owners, and added that day-to-day operations continue as normal while they remain in contact with the EFL.
The situation is further complicated by a transfer of club shares into a new company in June.
Because the entity placed into liquidation is separate from the football club, the EFL’s automatic insolvency sanctions do not immediately apply.
The EFL said it will review the consequences of CSBL’s liquidation and determine whether any additional steps are necessary.
It added that it is also examining other regulatory issues linked to changes in the club’s ownership structure and the broader group.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said it is closely reviewing the court’s decision regarding COH Sport and is in contact with both the club and the EFL.
A spokesperson noted that, where concerns arise, the IFR can assess the honesty, integrity, and financial soundness of existing owners under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives framework.
So, does this actually mean the club will be docked points?