Sheffield United have been handed a two-point deduction for the start of their upcoming EFL season.
The Blades were also handed an additional suspended deduction of two points for the end of the same season, depending on whether the club is in default or not.
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The sanction relates to the 2022/23 season, during which clubs have defaulted on a number of payments to other clubs.
These cumulative defects exceeded 550 days.
Sheffield United also agreed to pay the EFL’s costs to the tune of £310,455.
A statement from the Blades read: “Sheffield United notes today’s statement from the EFL regarding the club’s breaches of regulations 52.2.3 and 52.2.4 during the 2022/23 season.
“It was agreed that the Blades would begin the next season in which the club would be subject to the jurisdiction of the EFL with a two-point deduction. The club’s position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full, on several occasions just days after their original due date, or renegotiated with new future payment dates met before the club was informed of the reference.
“The club has cooperated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the matters in question.
“While disappointed to see the deduction imposed upon return to the EFL and highlighting that the expectation of overdue monies from several other clubs was affecting Sheffield United’s financial position, the club felt it was best to reach an agreement minimizing the risks of a higher increase. Additional deductions or embargoes on transfers are imposed and are distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.
“The club is now able to bring this matter to a close and focus on the future.”
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Sheffield United currently sit 20th in the Premier League and relegation appears to be a real possibility.
The club are currently nine points from safety with just seven matches remaining this season.
If they suffer a drop, it means the points deduction will come into play at the start of the next season.
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