Breaking: Three-time FA Cup champions face a 15-point deduction in England

02/10/2025 13:35:00 esportapi

Sheffield Wednesday, the three-time FA Cup winners, are at risk of a 15-point deduction due to ongoing delays in paying player wages during more than half of the last seven months.

According to the English Football League (EFL) rules, each delayed wage payment can result in a three-point penalty. Since Sheffield Wednesday has committed five such offenses, the maximum penalty could reach 15 points. However, many believe the exact punishment will depend on mitigating factors and precedents from similar past cases. In 2023, Reading was docked one point for violations, while Wigan Athletic received a total of eight points penalty, including a suspended four-point deduction.

The root cause lies in the severe financial difficulties faced by the club under owner Dejphon Chansiri’s management. While some younger players and administrative staff have been paid, many senior players remain unpaid, breaching EFL rules. Some employees have even received as little as £1,000 for an entire month’s work, fueling widespread dissatisfaction.

Sheffield Wednesday has failed to pay wages on time five times in the past seven months

As a result, Wednesday has been hit with five transfer bans, meaning they cannot sign new players until all outstanding payments are cleared. The club is also barred from adding free agents unless their eligible player count drops below 16.

The situation is further complicated by the EFL’s revised disciplinary procedures introduced this summer. Older allegations are handled directly by the EFL, whereas recent violations fall under the Club Financial Reporting Unit’s jurisdiction. This change could delay the resolution process, potentially pushing it beyond Christmas.

On the pitch, Sheffield Wednesday is also struggling. They recently drew 2-2 with Birmingham and currently sit third from bottom in the Championship after eight matches. Coach Henrik Pedersen faces challenges amid a constantly unsettled squad and mounting external pressure.

The club is under five transfer bans and cannot bring in new players

Fan anger has erupted into protests, with another demonstration expected before this weekend’s match against Coventry. As the club searches for new ownership, Sheffield Wednesday’s future is overshadowed by financial instability, disciplinary risks, and pressure from loyal supporters.

If the maximum points deduction is enforced, Sheffield Wednesday could find themselves fighting relegation from the very start of the season. Meanwhile, any reduction in penalty will depend on how the disciplinary panel assesses the situation and compares it with previous cases. Regardless, this marks one of the darkest periods in the recent history of the three-time FA Cup winners.

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