Sheffield Wednesday hit with ‘winding up petition’ as fans uncover potential silver lining
Sheffield Wednesday have spiralled out of control under Dejphon Chansiri, and the latest update on their situation spells danger.
Sheffield Wednesday’s players weren’t paid in September, making it five of the past seven months where they have not received their wages on time.
During this period, Wednesday have also been hit with six embargos, the most recent coming after they were found in breach of the EFL’s profit and sustainability rules.
As a result of their disastrous circumstances, there has been talk of an independent regulator taking control of Sheffield Wednesday and removing Chansiri from the club’s ownership.
But as it stands, the Owls could cease to exist altogether, unless there’s some sort of silver lining to the situation.
Sheffield Wednesday fans think ‘winding up petition’ could be a positive
As reported by BBC journalist Rob Staton on X, Sheffield Wednesday will be hit with a ‘winding up petition’ imminently after failing to settle a £1million debt to HMRC.
For the last week @AlexJPMiller and I have been tracking the situation at Sheffield Wednesday. We believe the club owes HMRC £1m and a winding up petition will be issued imminently. #SWFC
— Rob Staton (@robstaton) October 16, 2025
This is news no football club wants to hear, especially one with a rich history, but some fans seem to believe that a winding-up order could result in Chansiri finally doing something to settle their problems.
“Bizarrely, this could be good news. Might force this idiot’s hand to do something,” one fan wrote on X, while another said: “Hopefully the beginning of the end for you know.”
“Let’s hope this is the first step in taking Wednesday’s future out of one man’s hands,” someone else commented.
Administration is the only way Chansiri will leave.
— J (@J_swfc1867) October 16, 2025
He won’t sell the club #swfc https://t.co/SaPPiOEUJr
“He’s got no money. The only things he can do is apply to put us into administration and appoint an administrator,” a fifth pointed out.
Meanwhile, another stated: “It’s the only way something is gonna change , keep the boycotts going clearly hitting him.”
Is it happening? Are we going to see the end of Chansiri?
— The Wednesday ’Til I Die Podcast (@WTIDPOD) October 16, 2025
It has to be said that I really feel for the players and staff in this situation. https://t.co/EbDievo3p0
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 great news if true #swfc https://t.co/AXRNPzL7j9
— One Siggi Jónsson (@RichieMac69) October 16, 2025
Why administration is the best outcome for Sheffield Wednesday
Chansiri’s high valuation of Sheffield Wednesday and his refusal to budge have placed them in a perilous position where administration may be the only outcome to remove his power.
Speaking about the possibility of administration back in June, finance expert Rob Wilson explained why it’s the best possible outcome.
“While many think of administration as a last resort, particularly given the points sanction that would follow, it actually presents a best outcome for the club and its supporter base,” Wilson told The Star. “Though it will adversely affect the current owner and his own financial future.
“While administration points to financial instability and could see some key assets undervalued or sold under pressure, the process would actually enable SWFC to reset its financial liabilities, enable the EFL to intervene and support the sales process and secure a new level of investment or ownership that stabilises the club in the medium term.
“Ultimately, what is clear, is that the club lacks both the liquidity and revenue to maintain its own financial operations. It is operating a hand-to-mouth existence which benefits no stakeholder; fans, employees, players or the owner.”