Sheffield United: Former owners apply to liquidate club

Sheffield United’s former owners have filed for bankruptcy against club owners COH Sports Bidco Limited, claiming they are owed more than £35m.

In a letter seen by the BBC, United World, the investment company of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also questioned the authenticity of the board’s renewal last month., outside which another company, 1919 Partners LLC, “is the parent company of Sheffield United”.

The American Consortium COH Sports completed the takeover of the championship club in December 2024.

In a lengthy statement, United World said “due to the huge sums owed by United World to CSBL (over £35 million including interest), we have been forced to issue a High Court petition to wind up CSBL”.

They added that they were “deeply disappointed and appalled by the turn of events and believe that both of us, and the EFL, have been grossly misled, putting the club’s viability and survival at risk”.

The statement continued: “Furthermore, if the owners of COH Sports Bidco Limited are allowed to gain control of the football club without paying the sums they have promised to acquire, we believe it will undermine the confidence of those who wish to invest in football in the EFL legally and fairly.”

“In order to do that, together with our team of lawyers, we will not leave it out to prevent or correct the wrongs done by those in charge of the club.”

COH Sports is led by businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltouchy, who remain on the club’s board.

When they finished taking over, they said they “wanted to take this opportunity to reassure the fans that we understand the huge responsibility that comes with owning Sheffield United”.

In response to the claims made by United World, a spokesperson for 1919 Partners LLC said: “This matter has no impact on the day-to-day operations or financial stability of Sheffield United, which remains in good shape ahead of the new season.

“We are focused on winning football games, not playing politics.

“As we have said, the aim of the restructuring was to build a strong platform, efficient and flexible ownership that continues to support the long-term financial sustainability of Sheffield United.

“This is a matter that remains with the previous owner, and we will not comment on independent commercial negotiations. We have discussed, and will continue to discuss, constructively and transparently with the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator.”

After being contacted by the BBC, the EFL said: “The EFL notes the recent developments involving Sheffield United and has requested a review by the relevant bodies in relation to EFL rules.

“As this process is still ongoing, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.”

The Independent Football Regulator, which has the power to take action against “inappropriate owners and directors”, said: “We are in discussions with the relevant bodies on this matter but cannot comment at this stage.”

Sheffield United finished 13th in the Championship last season.

They start the new campaign with a trip to Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup on Sunday, 9 August.