COH Sports Bidco Limited agreed to buy Sheffield United for over £100m but still owes more than £35m from the deal. The company made an initial payment upon close of sale, but the first instalment was late and paid only after a statutory demand. This is not the first time the club has faced financial issues, as the Blades were deducted two points in the Championship last season due to missed transfer payments.
The club's ownership has a complex history, with Prince Abdullah buying 50% of Sheffield United in 2013 before acquiring the rest of the club in 2019. The EFL board could impose a 12-point deduction for an insolvency event, as Southampton were docked 10 points in 2009 after their parent company went into administration. The shares in the club were transferred from COH Sports Bidco Limited into a new US-based company, 1919 Partners LLC, in June, which became the parent company of Sheffield United. However, COH Sports Bidco Limited is still linked to the Blades through its co-chairmen, who remain on the club's board. If the £35m is not paid, or an agreement is not reached, COH Sports Bidco Limited could be wound up.