Sheffield United will be hit with a two-point deduction the next time they play in the Championship after defaulting on transfer payments in the 2022/2023 season.
An independent disciplinary commission imposed the punishment which includes a further two-point suspended penalty.
With United sitting rock bottom of the Premier League 10 points adrift of safety with just three games remaining, it looks almost certain that they will have to deal with this points deduction sooner rather than later.
This can hardly come as a surprise as over the last two years there has been constant uncertainty and instability at Sheffield United as owner Prince Abdullah has been looking to sell the club. Furthermore, they were forced under an EFL transfer embargo last year in the Championship regarding the defaulting on transfer fees.
With no end in sight for United’s many problems on or off the pitch, the continued mismanagement of the club appears to be the biggest.
While a two-point deduction on its own will hardly derail their next season, it is a representation of how bad things can get for the club if they continue to be financially managed so poorly.
It is nevertheless far from the worst punishment that could have been handed to United as they have avoided the outcome of a transfer embargo. This could have been detrimental for their next season as it looks like it’s going to be a busy summer at Bramall Lane in terms of squad turnover after a desperately underwhelming Premier League campaign.
They will attempt to come straight back up next year, if relegated, but the points deduction will mean that United will start the season exactly how they look like they are ending this one, constantly playing catch-up.
Featured Image Credit: Sheffield United: Nigel Roddis / Sportimage