Sheffield United face major points deduction risk following latest ownership dispute

Sheffield United could be facing a 12-point deduction this season after the company used by their current owners to purchase the club was ordered to be wound up by the High Court.

COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL), which was established by American businessmen Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen in July 2024, was used to complete the takeover of Sheffield United from Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz bin Al Saud’s United World group.

The takeover, valued at more than £100 million, was completed in December 2024. CSBL initially paid around £30 million, while a second payment of approximately £35 million was made late. However, a final instalment of a similar value reportedly remained unpaid.

United World subsequently filed a winding-up petition against CSBL in July. The petition was approved by Judge Paul Greenwood on Wednesday, with neither Eltoukhy, Rosen nor Sheffield United challenging the action or asking for additional time to settle the outstanding debt.

The development could potentially put Sheffield United in breach of EFL insolvency regulations. Clubs or owners that avoid outstanding debts through bankruptcy or a creditor-led winding-up can face a standard 12-point deduction.

However, whether the Blades actually receive a points penalty will depend on how the EFL assesses the ownership restructuring carried out shortly before the winding-up petition.

In June, Sheffield United’s shares were transferred from CSBL to another company, 1919 Partners LLC. The EFL is now expected to determine whether that move affects the club’s potential liability under its insolvency rules.

As a result, Sheffield United’s Championship campaign could be thrown into uncertainty, with the possibility of a significant points deduction hanging over the club.