Championship giants Sheffield Wednesday set for 12-point deduction and face real prospect of relegation after being placed into administration

Chansiri's management of the Yorkshire club has led to repeated transfer embargoes, points deductions, and unpaid player and staff wages. Adding to the financial instability, he controversially sold Hillsborough stadium to a separate company which he also owns, all while facing claims that he underinvested in the ground's maintenance. High manager turnover and refusing multiple takeover bids by demanding an unrealistic £100 million ($133m) asking price have further highlighted the instability and lack of viable alternatives under his leadership.

News of Wednesday's administration has been met with sadness, particularly from fans who have long protested against Chansiri's ownership. Joint-administrator Kris Wigfield, a Wednesday fan himself, said: "The joint administrators have taken over the running of the club with immediate effect to protect the interests of creditors, and to ensure Sheffield Wednesday can continue operating while we seek a new owner as swiftly as possible. Like many football clubs, it has been trading at a significant loss for several years, with those losses historically funded by the former owner Mr Chansiri, who was no longer willing to provide that financial support. While the recent fan boycott has not directly caused the insolvency, it has increased financial pressure on the club. As a result, the owner has chosen to place the club into administration. 

Wigfield said: "Supporters are the backbone of any football club. The money they spend at the gate and in the ground is vital. I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1984 and know first-hand the passion of this fanbase. Now, more than ever, we need fans back in the ground - buying tickets, merchandise, pies and pints. Every penny spent will go directly to supporting the day-to-day running of this club, not to the former owner or professional costs. This will help stabilise the club while we secure a suitable buyer."

When a football club goes into administration, an administrator takes control of its finances and day-to-day operations. The administrator's primary goal is to find a buyer or restructure the club's debts to prevent liquidation, potentially by selling off assets like players. The EFL imposes an immediate points deduction, but the club is protected from legal action by its creditors during this process. The long-term outcome depends on whether a suitable buyer is found and a financial agreement is reached with creditors. 

While the future is uncertain, one thing that is guaranteed is a full house and a raucous atmosphere at Hillsborough for the visit of Oxford United on Saturday. 

Another of the joint administrators, Paul Stanley, said: "There should be no interruption to the fixture schedule and we are in close contact with the EFL to ensure that the effects of this administration on the employees, supporters, the community and the players are minimised as far as possible.

"Sheffield Wednesday is a massive, historic club with a loyal fan base in a city that lives and breathes football. If more fans return to Hillsborough, the club can cover its day-to-day costs and move towards a viable sale to a new ownership capable of restoring long-term stability. With the right ownership structure, we are confident that the club has a bright future and will meet all EFL regulatory obligations."