Sheff Utd expect to avoid points deduction - CEO

What the report says

Sheffield United chief executive Stephen Bettis says the club do not expect to receive an EFL points deduction following the league’s investigation into the ownership structure behind the Blades’ takeover. Speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield, Bettis said the owners believe the key insolvency issues do not meet the threshold for a 12-point penalty, though he stressed that fines or other sanctions remain possible until the EFL reaches a decision.

The investigation stems from the company used to buy the club being placed into liquidation by the High Court in August. Bettis said the club itself remains financially stable and is paying its bills, while the company that is no longer part of the group was the one subject to the winding-up action. He said the owners would strongly contest any move by the EFL to impose punishment.

Bettis also addressed the club’s summer transfer income, saying it will not be reinvested in January. Separately, he said talks continue over an outstanding payment of almost £35m linked to the takeover, with the current owners and former owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad Al Saud still in discussion about the amount owed. For Sheffield United, the issue matters because any sanction could affect their Championship position and finances during an ongoing ownership dispute.