Sheffield United will commence their next Championship match with a two-point deduction, as decreed by the EFL.
During their promotion season in 2022-23, the Blades breached EFL regulations by failing to fulfill payment obligations to other clubs.
In addition to the initial deduction, the Premier League’s bottom-ranked team has received an additional two-point penalty.
While the club expressed disappointment with the ruling, they have chosen not to contest the decision through an appeal.
Instead, Sheffield United added that it “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.”.
The Blades’ penalty, which takes effect at the onset of their next Championship season, also entails covering the EFL’s legal expenses amounting to £310,455.
These deferred payments, totaling over 550 days, occurred during a season when the club was under the management of Paul Heckingbottom and finished as runners-up to Burnley.
Currently led by Chris Wilder, Sheffield United occupies the bottom spot in the Premier League standings, trailing by nine points from safety with seven matches remaining.
According to the EFL, the suspended points deduction will be enforced if the club defaults on any subsequent payments exceeding five business days beyond the due date specified in the agreement.