EFL probe follows Sheffield United winding‑up order, 12‑point risk

Sheffield United, a Championship side, face a possible 12‑point deduction after the company used by their owners to purchase the club was hit with a winding‑up order, a judge issued on 19 August 2026. The story was reported by MIKE KEEGAN, CHIEF, and the EFL has opened an investigation into a potentially damaging breach of its rules.

A judge in the High Court granted the winding‑up order against COH Sports Bidco Limited, the entity that acquired Sheffield United’s shares. The order follows a claim brought by United World, the investment arm of former owner Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Legal claim and £35m dispute

United World alleges that COH Sports Bidco owes it £35 million from the 2024 sale of the club. The claim centres on the allegation that the current custodians, American investors Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen, transferred their shares to a new company without paying the agreed amount.

Eltoukhy and Rosen have dismissed United World’s action as a ‘publicity stunt’. Despite their denial, the judge proceeded with the winding‑up order, intensifying the club’s off‑field turmoil.

Club and owners’ reactions

A United World spokesperson said the group had ‘made every effort to resolve the matter amicably’ and had again tried that morning to give the owners a final chance to spare Sheffield United the consequences. ‘It appears that Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen are simply not concerned about what this means for the club,’ the spokesperson added, confirming United World will continue to pursue the full sums.

A Sheffield United Football Club spokesperson acknowledged today’s High Court hearing, describing it as a matter between the current owners and the former owner. The club stressed that day‑to‑day operations remain unaffected and that it is in contact with the EFL.

An EFL spokesperson noted the league’s awareness of the High Court’s decision on COH Sports Bidco Limited and said the organisation will consider the implications under its Regulations, including any further action. The league added it is also reviewing other regulatory matters linked to the club’s ownership changes and will not comment further at this stage.