EFL Confirm Administration and Points Deduction for Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday have officially entered administration and been hit with a devastating 12-point deduction by the English Football League (EFL), marking yet another dark chapter in the club’s turbulent modern history.
The development follows confirmation that owner Dejphon Chansiri has taken formal steps to appoint administrators for both the football club and the company that owns Hillsborough Stadium — a move that could ultimately spell the end of his controversial ownership.
Financial Turmoil Reaches Boiling Point
In an official statement released by the EFL, the governing body confirmed receipt of the formal notice from Chansiri, saying:
“The EFL can confirm that it has now received formal notice that Dejphon Chansiri, the director of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, has taken the necessary steps to appoint administrators to both the club and also the company which owns Hillsborough. Whilst this development results in the automatic deduction of 12 points in accordance with regulations agreed by all clubs, it also presents Sheffield Wednesday with the opportunity to move matters towards a successful sale and secure future under new ownership.”
The statement went on to explain that the EFL will now begin discussions with the appointed administrators “to achieve an early resolution and end the ongoing uncertainty faced by Sheffield Wednesday staff, management, players, supporters, and the wider community.” The Championship table has already been updated to reflect the 12-point deduction, meaning the Owls will start the weekend on minus six points ahead of their home clash with Oxford United.
Administrators Appointed
The club confirmed that Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield, and Paul Stanley of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators of both Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and Sheffield 3 Limited — the company that owns the Hillsborough ground. Their immediate task will be to stabilize the financial situation, engage with creditors, and explore options for the sale of the club to new investors.
In a statement, the administrators acknowledged the urgency of the situation and the importance of finding a buyer capable of restoring stability and trust:
“Our focus is on safeguarding the club’s future, protecting its heritage, and ensuring that the people of Sheffield continue to have a football club to support.”
Failed Sale and Fan Discontent
The club also revealed that it had been in advanced discussions with a potential buyer before administration became unavoidable. However, despite “credible interest” and “positive initial talks,” a final agreement could not be reached. Mounting financial pressure from creditors and an unsustainable operating model ultimately forced Chansiri’s hand.
Supporter unrest has been building for months, with many fans expressing deep frustration at the direction of the club under Chansiri’s leadership. Attendance figures at Hillsborough have plummeted by nearly 35% since last season, dropping from over 26,000 to around 17,000 on average, largely due to organized boycotts by supporters demanding that the Thai businessman sell the club.
The tension between ownership and fans has only intensified in recent weeks, as rumors of unpaid bills, delayed staff wages, and growing debts circulated online. Earlier on Friday, GIVEMESPORT sources had already suggested that administration was imminent — a claim now fully confirmed by the club’s announcement.
The End of an Era — And the Start of a Rebuild
For Chansiri, who took over Sheffield Wednesday in 2015 with ambitions of leading the club back to the Premier League, this moment marks a humiliating fall from grace. His tenure has been marred by financial mismanagement, poor recruitment decisions, and an increasing disconnect between ownership and the fanbase.
Despite the crushing 12-point penalty, there remains a sense of cautious optimism among supporters that administration could finally open the door to a fresh start. The EFL’s statement hints that the process may lead to “a successful sale and a secure future under new ownership,” providing a glimmer of hope that Wednesday could emerge stronger once the dust settles.
With their Championship survival hopes already hanging by a thread, the focus for Sheffield Wednesday now shifts to stability, transparency, and rebuilding trust — both financially and emotionally — with their long-suffering supporters.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the administrators begin talks with potential buyers, and fans will be watching closely to see whether this crisis becomes a turning point or yet another painful setback in the club’s storied history.