Sheffield Wednesday are set to avoid a significant points deduction that would hurt them next season.
The Owls were recently defeated 3-0 at home by rivals Sheffield United in the Steel City derby, despite the Blades’ poor performance this season, which did not go well with fans.
Henrik Pedersen’s side is now 18 points from safety at the bottom of the second division, thereby confirming their relegation to League One after only 16 games.
An inevitable 12-point loss for being forced into administration hasn’t helped matters, but it’s a price most supporters were ready to pay to get rid of former owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Despite their current issues, Wednesday appear to have averted more punishment next season.
Sheffield Wednesday avoided a 15-point deduction for the 2026/27 campaign.
Wednesday were potentially set to get additional point deductions as a result of the financial disaster Chansiri produced at Hillsborough, which may have affected them next term.
However, according to the Sheffield Star, some of those concerns may have been alleviated.
It is reported that administrators have already received many bids to take over the Owls, with the number potentially increasing to six or seven.
They have all made offers sufficient to satisfy the club’s creditors, which are thought to be in the region of £30 million.
If an offer of that magnitude is successful and all funds are completed, Wednesday would avoid a 15-point deduction that would have affected them next season.
The Steel City outfit is not fully out of the woods, however, as it is stated that they may still face two additional point deductions for violations of EFL regulations, albeit these would only affect the current term’s score.
Sheffield Wednesday will be delighted to avoid a 15-point deduction.
Given how much distance Wednesday must make up merely to avoid relegation, it appears unlikely that they will retain their Championship status this season.
Even without their 12-point deduction, the Owls would still be at the bottom of the Championship, demonstrating how uncompetitive they have been on the pitch.
There are plausible explanations for this, including a lack of movement in the transfer market as a result of embargoes imposed by Chansiri’s actions, but preparing for next season in League One appears to be their best hope right now.
Doing so without the danger of a 15-point deduction will be a major relief, as it would have ruined any potential promotion ambitions they had.
Instead, the Owls can emphasis on preparing for a return to the second tier next season, putting them on a level playing field with the rest of the division.
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