Sheffield Wednesday says it is extremely disappointed after being slapped with a 12-point deduction by the EFL for breaching FFP rules.
It was confirmed on Friday evening that Nottingham Forest’s Championship rivals will see the punishment inflicted next season, meaning the Owls will start the season bottom of the league and with a severe handicap, but avoid being dragged into relegation trouble this term.
The club say they will await further detail from the league before making any further comment on possible appeals.
“Sheffield Wednesday acknowledges the decision of the independent disciplinary commission announced today,” it said in a statement.
“The club is extremely disappointed that the commission has imposed a 12-point deduction to be applied next season and awaits the written reasons for this decision.
“The club welcomes the decision that the commission cleared Sheffield Wednesday of the charge of acting in bad faith in its dealings with the EFL.
“Further, the commission decided not to apply a 12-point deduction this season, thereby imposing relegation.
“The club will await the written reasons for the sanction and upon receipt will digest and consider the full detail with its legal advisers before making any further comment.”
The EFL meanwhile, said the club should not have included profits from the sale of Hillsborough to their owner, Dejphon Chansiri, in statements, and that is why they stand to be punished next term.
“An independent Disciplinary Commission, appointed under EFL Regulations, has ruled that Sheffield Wednesday will receive a 12 point deduction for breaching the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules for the three season reporting period ending with Season 2017/18,” the EFL said.
“The sporting sanction will take effect in season 2020/21.
“The club was charged in November 2019 and referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission, which conducted a full hearing at the end of June 2020, before finding the Club guilty based on the fact that the club should not have included profits from the sale of Hillsborough Stadium in the club’s financial statements for the period ending July 2018.
“The club was found not guilty of a further charge of breaching its duty of utmost good faith to the EFL by deliberately concealing information from the League in respect of filings made in respect of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules.”
