Keith Wyness, Everton’s former manager, has warned Leeds United after Sheffield United were penalised with a points deduction for unpaid transfer costs.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now runs a football consultancy that advises elite clubs, claimed the Whites could cause a “huge problem” for clubs if they default on their outstanding payments.
The EFL announced on April 11 that Sheffield United will receive a two-point deduction next season if they are relegated from the Premier League, with an additional two points suspended until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The Blades defaulted on almost £9 million in transfer payments, prompting the penalties.
Meanwhile, Leeds United, who are chasing promotion to the Championship, revealed in their most recent 2022-23 accounts that they owe rival clubs almost £190 million in unpaid fees.
The Whites also had sales of £189 million and a loss of £33 million.
Leeds face’extremely serious issue’ after Sheffield United points deduction confirmed.
Wyness stated that the “danger is very big” if Leeds follow in Sheffield United’s footsteps.
He told Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast: “It appears that the Sheffield United owner is solely responsible for this punishment.”
“It must be cash flow issues, and that does happen in business.
“The danger is very big, however, if clubs stop paying each other,
“I had a similar issue with Italian clubs during my time with Everton, we had to go to Fifa tribunals.
“It becomes a real issue because you forecast for those payments – and all of a sudden your budget is out of whack.
“So don’t be fooled by the enormity of the problem; it’s quite serious. Sheffield United paid £8 million this time, which will not break the bank.
“But if a bigger club, like Leeds – who owe £190million, don’t pay up, it could be a huge problem for clubs.”
