Premier League relegation favourites handed two-point deduction by EFL

Sheffield United have been handed a two-point deduction for financial breaches by the English Football League (EFL), with the punishment kicking in next time the Blades drop down from the Premier League.

The punishment stems from a failure to meet payment deadlines to other clubs during the 2022/23 season, in which Sheffield United were part of the EFL system in the Championship, and so can only be applied next time Chris Wilder's side are relegated from the Premier League.

That could be next season, with Sheffield United currently sitting bottom of the Premier League, ten points adrift of safety with seven games to go.

"An Independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the Club is in the EFL's jurisdiction, with a further two points suspended until the end of that same season," a statement read.

"The sanction relates to the 2022/23 season, when the Club defaulted on a number of payments to other Clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.

"The suspended points deduction will be activated if the Club defaults on any payment due to another Club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.

"The Club has agreed to pay the EFL's costs in the sum of £310,455."

Sheffield United said in response: "Sheffield United notes today's statement from the EFL with regards to breaches by the club of regulations 52.2.3 and 52.2.4 in the 2022/23 season.

"It has been agreed that the Blades will commence the next season in which the club is subject to the EFL's jurisdiction with a two-point deduction. The club's position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full, on several occasions only days after they were initially due, or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.

"The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question.

"While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs effected Sheffield United's financial situation, the club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.

"The club is now in a position to close this matter and concentrate on the future."

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