Sheffield United could face 'points deduction' - EFL Insider
Sheffield United could face the possibility of a points deduction amid an ongoing dispute between their COH Sports ownership and their previous owner Prince Abdullah.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Blades may face punishment from the EFL if it is deemed that they have gained a "sporting advantage."
Abdullah claims that he is owed £35million by COH Sports, who have refused to pay, with the EFL and Independent Football Regulator now examining the issue.
Wyness believes that a solution for the issue will be sourced as soon as possible, but added that United could find themselves in hot water if the missed payments have been invested into the footballing side of the club.
COH Sports are alleged to have transferred shares into a new company 1919 Partners LLC, which is based in Delaware in the USA.
They have since suggested that the ongoing dispute will have little impact on the day-to-day running of United as a club, but Wyness is not so sure.
EFL trying to avoid 'sanction' for Sheffield United
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the EFL will try to avoid inflicting a "sanction" on United in a footballing sense at all costs.
However, he did note that a points deduction for 2026-27 could potentially be on the cards as a last-resort option, if the club were found to have gained an advantage.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman explained what the EFL must determine.
"This is a really messy, difficult situation. I've been looking into this one in a bit more detail, and COH have resold shares in that company to another shell company. It's a very strange situation," he said.
"The key to it from the football side is if they have stopped making payments that they are due and they've used that in terms of running the football club, then they've gained a sporting advantage.
"That's the whole issue that we've got here. And therefore there could be a points deduction. And that's where the EFL are going to be focusing on that, as to where is the money that should have gone to the sellers, where has that money gone?
"Has there been a sporting advantage gained because they didn't make those payments, which they were legally due to make?
"I do expect something to be happening pretty quickly, and either they're going to have to pay up the money they owe, or else the club's going to find itself in trouble.
"Which is a shame because it's the actual owner that's done the transgression, not the club itself. So I'm sure the EFL will be trying to avoid a sanction on the club."
Championship rivals on verge of striking new deal
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Middlesbrough are on the verge of signing Columbus Crew left wing-back Max Arfsten.
The 25-year-old is due to fly into England on Wednesday to complete his move to the Riverside Stadium, in a deal that will strengthen their push for promotion.
Sheffield United hope to rival Boro in the battle at the top of the Championship table next term, and are hoping to get more of their own additions through the door.
Arfsten notched four goals and four assists in just 15 MLS games before the World Cup, and is expected to make a big impact on Teeside.