The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust has appealed for government action after the EFL upheld its decision to impose a 15-point penalty on the Owls next season.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover: 15-point deduction; Storch issues statement.

Wednesday’s probable new owner, American investor David Storch, stated in a statement on Wednesday evening that the EFL will not waive their’minimum dividend’ rule, which requires unsecured creditors, including previous chairman Dejphon Chansiri, to receive 25% of what they are owed.

Storch has been particularly vocal since being granted preferred bidder status last month, and he still expects to complete the takeover by May 1st, the day before the season’s last match against West Bromwich Albion, who may face a points deduction of their own.

Arise Capital Partners is shocked by the decision to uphold the penalty, and Storch believes the EFL must recognise the “unique” nature of the Owls’ situation, claiming the facilities at Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium were “inadequate” and “the full scale of the serious infrastructure challenges has become apparent” during the due diligence process.

The Owls have been docked 18 points this season for breaking finance regulations under Chansiri, and another 15-point deduction next season would put them in serious risk of relegation.

Supporters’ Trust Statement: Independent Football Regulator Intervention

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust deemed the 15-point deduction “unacceptable” in the absence of “a clear path to an independent hearing or appeal regarding the circumstances involved”.

A Trust statement read: “We are not requesting that the EFL discard its guidelines. We are requesting independent review before imposing such a large fine.

“The prospective owners asserted that they sought independent arbitration, which was denied. This should worry anyone who loves ethics, transparency, and responsibility in football administration.”

According to the statement, the Trust will write to the Independent Football Regulator to request that the league’s strategy be reviewed outside.

“If the EFL continues to refuse an independent process, we may take additional steps (to) include formally raising concerns with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and continuing to work with local MPs to ensure proper examination of this issue.”