EFL investigates Sheffield United ownership dispute

The EFL is investigating Sheffield United’s ownership after former owner Prince Abdullah claimed he is owed more than £35m from the club’s sale to US investment group COH Sports.Prince Abdullah’s investment vehicle, United World, has filed a winding-up petition against COH Sports Bidco Limited, the company used to acquire the club.The EFL said: “The EFL notes recent developments involving Sheffield United and has requested observations from the relevant parties in the context of EFL regulations.“As this process is ongoing, we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time.”COH Sports, led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, completed their takeover of Sheffield United in December 2024.The total deal was worth around £100m, with an initial payment of about £30m made after completion.Prince Abdullah’s representatives claim further instalments have been delayed or missed, leaving more than £35m outstanding.The dispute has escalated after Sheffield United announced a change to their ownership structure in June.The club said 1919 Partners LLC, a Delaware-based company, had become the parent company of Sheffield United and now sits at the centre of the ownership structure.Prince Abdullah’s legal team has alleged that shares were transferred from COH Sports Bidco Limited to 1919 Partners LLC as part of an attempt to avoid paying the full purchase price.The current owners are understood to accept that about £35m remains owed, but deny that the restructuring and the payment dispute are connected.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 well positioned ahead of the new season. We are focused on winning football matches, not playing politics.“As we have already said, the purpose of the restructuring was to create a stronger platform, more efficient and flexible ownership structure that further supports the long-term financial sustainability of Sheffield United. It provides a stronger platform for existing owners to invest additional capital into the club alongside our lender MSD Capital and, over time, creates a more attractive framework for future investment.“This is an outstanding matter with the former owner, and we will not comment on private commercial discussions. We have engaged, and will continue to engage, constructively and transparently with the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator.”The EFL is assessing whether the ownership restructuring complies with its regulations and whether the individuals involved remain suitable to control a member club.The issue could also attract scrutiny from the Independent Football Regulator as English football moves towards a more formalised oversight system for club ownership, governance and financial resilience.Prince Abdullah’s side has also raised concerns that avoiding payment of the full purchase price could give Sheffield United a competitive advantage over Championship rivals.That argument links a private acquisition dispute to wider questions of financial integrity and regulatory fairness across the league.Sheffield United finished 13th in the Championship last season after failing to return to the Premier League.The club are preparing for the new campaign under an ownership group that has said the restructuring is intended to support future capital investment and long-term sustainability.Talks between the parties have been taking place, including over the possibility of converting some of the outstanding debt into equity.The winding-up petition adds legal pressure to a dispute now being examined by the EFL in the context of its ownership and regulatory framework.