Blades to start their next season in EFL with points deduction

Sheffield United will be deducted two points at the start of the next season in which they play in the English Football League.

The penalty relates to the Blades defaulting on payments to other clubs during the 2022-23 season, at the end of which they won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

A further two-point deduction has been suspended until the end of the season in which the initial deduction is enforced, and will only be imposed if the club defaults on further payments.

The Blades face the prospect of the sanction being applied next season, as they are bottom of the Premier League and nearing relegation to the Championship - they are nine points from safety with seven games left to play.

In a statement, Sheffield United said: "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 affected 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."