Sheffield United could be hit with a 12-point deduction after the company used to acquire the club was placed into liquidation by the High Court on Wednesday.
COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL) agreed to purchase the Championship side for just over £100 million in December 2024, though approximately £35 million remained outstanding on the deal.
A winding-up petition was filed against CSBL last month by United World, the club’s former owners.
CSBL, headed by United co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, had no representation at the High Court hearing, which lasted roughly 10 seconds.
A statement issued by the former owners said they had made “every effort to resolve this matter amicably” but had “received no response.”
A Sheffield United spokesperson said: “Sheffield United Football Club is aware of today’s hearing at the High Court. This is a matter between the current owners and former owner. The football club is in contact with the English Football League and the day-to-day operations at Sheffield United are unaffected.”
The situation is complicated by the movement of shares in the club into a new company in June. Because a separate company — not the football club itself — has been wound up, there is no automatic punishment from the EFL for an insolvency event.
The EFL said it would consider the implications of CSBL’s liquidation “including whether any further action is required.”
“In addition, the EFL continues to consider other regulatory matters following changes to the club’s ownership structure and developments within the wider group,” a spokesman added.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said it was “examining the court’s decision on COH Sport in detail” and was “in contact with the club and the EFL.”
A spokesperson added: “The IFR can assess an incumbent owner’s honesty, integrity and financial soundness under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime, should it have grounds for concern.”
The key question now is whether the club will ultimately face a points penalty.