Now Sheffield United too. After Everton and Nottingham were deducted points for financial infringements in the Premier League, a third club has now been punished – but with a big difference
After Everton FC and Nottingham Forest, promoted Sheffield United have now also been punished with a points deduction. Unlike their current league rivals, however, the penalty does not apply immediately to the bottom-placed team in the Premier League, but only after their probable relegation to the Championship. The reason: the penalty was imposed by the EFL (English Football League), which is responsible for the lower divisions, and not by the Premier League.
As the EFL announced on Thursday, an independent commission came to the conclusion that Sheffield United “defaulted on a number of payments to other clubs” in its 2022/23 promotion season. As a result, the club is now to be deducted two points at the start of its next season in the Championship. Given the situation in the table, this will almost certainly be the case in the coming 2024/25 season
Two further points deduction looming
In addition, Sheffield would be penalized with the deduction of two more points in the coming season if they were to default again. This penalty is suspended until the end of the next season. In detail, the additional penalty would apply if United were to be more than five working days late with a payment to another club. Sheffield must also pay the costs incurred by the EFL, equivalent to around 360,000 euros.
Everton FC and Nottingham Forest, who are also threatened with relegation, had previously been punished by the Premier League with severe point deductions for breaches of the profitability and sustainability rules.
