Relegation from the Championship now seems a near certainty for Sheffield Wednesday after the club was placed into administration and docked 12 points. The EFL penalty leaves the Owls on -6 points, a staggering 15 points away from survival, at the bottom of the table.
The collapse was triggered by owner Dejphon Chansiri, who filed for administration amid mounting financial pressure. The club has been “trading at a significant loss for several years,” according to the administrator, with Chansiri historically funding the losses. Recent months saw the situation deteriorate, with unpaid wages and a reported $pounds{}$1 million tax bill.
Manager Henrik Pedersen met with administrators and players on Friday morning, calling the development a “sad situation” that could “still be a good day.” He stressed the need for a “fresh restart” after months of turmoil and uncertainty. Despite the points deficit, Pedersen remains defiant, insisting the team will “keep fighting” to survive.
Begbies Traynor, the appointed administrator, is now running the club and its stadium company. Their immediate task is to stabilise operations and market the club for sale. They hope selling the club and stadium together will be “great news for supporters” and attract credible buyers.
The news was met with mixed emotions by fans, who are relieved to see Chansiri depart but devastated by the sporting penalty. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented that the club’s plight is another reminder of the need for the new independent football regulator to protect clubs from mismanagement.