Sheffield United punished! Premier League strugglers hit hard by points deduction - but there's a catch

The EFL has confirmed that they have hit Sheffield United with a two-point deduction, that will take effect at the start of the next season in which the Blades are playing in the Championship. They have also been hit with a further two-point deduction that will take effect at the end of said season.

During the 2022/23 season, the club defaulted on numerous payments to other clubs. The defaults, per the EFL, cumulatively tallied over 500 days.

Sheffield United's punishment comes amid a raft of points deductions this season. Both Everton and Nottingham Forest have been deducted points but their punishments were applied immediately. As the Blades fell foul of financial rules while playing in the EFL, they are no longer under their jurisdiction, although they are likely to play in the Championship next season. As it stands, Chris Wilder's side are rock-bottom of the Premier League and nine points from safety, with eight games to play.

The EFL said in a statement: "An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the club is in the EFL’s jurisdiction, with a further two points suspended until the end of that same season.

"The sanction relates to the 2022/23 season, when the club defaulted on a number of payments to other clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.

"The suspended points deduction will be activated if the club defaults on any payment due to another Club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.

"The club has agreed to pay the EFL’s costs in the sum of £310,455."

The Blades have confirmed that they will not challenge the ruling in a statement: "Sheffield United notes today's statement from the EFL with regards to breaches by the club of regulations 52.2.3 and 52.2.4 in the 2022/23 season.

"It has been agreed that the Blades will commence the next season in which the club is subject to the EFL's jurisdiction 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 only days after they were initially due, or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.

"The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question.

"While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs effected Sheffield United's financial situation, the club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.

"The club is now in a position to close this matter and concentrate on the future."

The Blades are next in action this weekend against Brentford in a major encounter. The Blades will hope to gain some more glimmer of hope in terms of survival.