Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest’s relegation opponents, will face a two-point deduction when they next play in the EFL.
Nottingham Forest’s Premier League and relegation opponents Sheffield United have been given a two-point deduction for their next appearance in the EFL, it has been announced. The Blades violated transfer payment default rules during the 2022-23 season, when the club returned to the top flight.
The suspended deduction will take effect the next time Sheffield United compete in an EFL league, such as the Championship – and with the club currently bottom of the table, nine points behind with seven games remaining, that campaign may be next season. In a statement made on Thursday, the club stated that their failure to complete payments was due to delays in receiving money they owed themselves.
United, under Chris Wilder’s management, chose not to pursue the matter further and cooperated extensively to guarantee that the suspended deduction did not increase. Forest defeated the Blades 2-1 at the City Ground in August, due to Chris Wood’s late goal. In May, they will play the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane. The Blades’ statement reads…
“Sheffield United notes today’s statement from the EFL regarding the club’s violations of regulations 52.2.3 and 52.2.4 during the 2022/2023 season. It has been agreed that the Blades would begin the next season under EFL control with a two-point deduction.
“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 just days after they were originally due – or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.” The club collaborated with the EFL to secure a negotiated compromise on the issues at hand.
“While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL – and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs had an impact on Sheffield United’s financial situation – the club decided it was better to reach an agreement that minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, as well as being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings. The club is now in a position to close this case and focus on the future.”
This season, Forest has had four points removed for violating the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), while Everton has been fined eight points in two different incidents. Those deductions have handed Luton Town a lifeline in their fight to survive; they overcame Bournemouth 2-1 on Saturday and now have the same number of points as Forest.
