SHEFFIELD UNITED will start next season on -2 points if they are relegated.
That is because the Blades have been slapped with a two-point deduction by the EFL.
The punishment relates to the Yorkshire club defaulting on payments during the 2022-23 season, when they were in the Championship, the EFL’s top division.
However, because United got promoted, the EFL cannot punish them this season while they are still in the Premier League.
And so the points deduction can only set in once they return to the EFL – which looks almost certain to be next season.
Sheffield United have also been given a further two-point suspended deduction that will loom until the end of their first season back in the EFL.
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The suspended points will be activated if the club are to miss a transfer payment due to any other club by more than five days during the period of that first season.
Sheffield United have also agreed to pay the EFL’s costs for the issue to the eye-watering sum of £310,455.
Chris Wilder’s struggling side currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League table.
They have picked up just three wins and 16 points all season, shipping a whopping 82 goals in 31 matches.
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That sees them nine points adrift of Nottingham Forest and 11 off Everton, who have both had deductions this season for breaching Profit & Sustainability Rules.
An EFL statement said: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the Club is in the EFL’s jurisdiction,
“With a further two points suspended until the end of that same season.
“The sanction relates to the 2022-23 season, when the Club defaulted on a number of payments to other Clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.
“The suspended points deduction will be activated if the Club defaults on any payment due to another Club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.
“The Club has agreed to pay the EFL’s costs in the sum of £310,455.”
Sheffield United launched their own statement in response, expressing how “disappointed” they are by the decision, but explaining that they have accepted their punishment.
The Blades hit back: “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.”
A number of English clubs have been slapped with points deductions over recent weeks with Everton’s cumulative 10-point punishment and Nottingham Forest’s four-point hit amongst the most high-profile.
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While League Two club Morecambe have also been hit with a two-point deduction today for failing to pay the wages of their players on time last season.
Sheffield United can of course avoid their punishment altogether if they are able to avoid re-entering the EFL at any point, however their form and league position make that a near impossible task.
PREMIER LEAGUE SIDES HIT BY POINTS DEDUCTIONS
Nottingham Forest
Deducted four points for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Have launched an appeal, with final decision expected by early May.
Everton
Initial 10 point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Now deducted a further two points.
Sheffield United
Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022/23 EFL season. Will begin next season on -2 points should they be relegated to the Championship.
OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
Manchester City
Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
Chelsea
Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
Leicester (currently Championship)
Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction next term if they are promoted back to the top flight.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
