Sheffield United hit with points deduction as they become latest club punished
Sheffield United will start their next EFL season on minus two points after being charged for defaulted payments, which were culminated in excess of 550 days.
Sheffield United have been deducted two points for the start of their next season in the English Football League for defaulted transfer payments.
The Blades, who currently sit bottom of the Premier League, have been punished by the EFL for sanctions related to the 2022/23 campaign. The EFL say that United "defaulted on a number of payments to other clubs" and those cumulatively were in excess of 500 days.
As well as the straight two-point deduction at the start of their next EFL season, the Blades have also been stumped with a further two points suspended until the end of the same campaign. That deduction will be activated if they default on any payment due to another club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days after the due date for the payment.
A club statement read: "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."
On the pitch, the Blades have struggled upon their return to the Premier League this season. They have won just three of their 31 matches and sit nine points adrift of safety with seven games to go. Barring a minor miracle and a great escape, United will be playing their football in the Championship next term.
However, the Blades did produce a spirited performance in their 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Sunday and are now giving up without a fight. Oli McBurnie equalised in the 93rd minute to secure a point for Chris Wilder’s side, after Noni Madueke had given the Blues the lead.
Speaking after the game, Wilder said: "I can’t fault my players for giving everything. "I’ve got this image of the Bournemouth game with eight players flat out at the death so I can’t be too critical when they’re giving everything but I want to give them more.
"Today we had a better bench and we understood the demands of the Premier League and the three-game week but I thought we really looked strong at the end of the game and dug in."
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