Sheffield Wednesday fans are “overjoyed” to see owner Dejphon Chansiri depart but are now facing the harsh reality of an almost certain relegation. Chansiri placed the club into administration, resulting in an automatic 12-point deduction that puts the team on -6 points, 15 adrift of safety.
The Supporters Trust hailed the end of an era marked by “years of financial mismanagement.” In a symbolic move, seats spelling “Chansiri” were removed from Hillsborough just moments after the administration was announced. Fans had recently escalated protests, with thousands boycotting the last home game against Middlesbrough.
The club’s financial situation is dire. Debts include $pounds{}$1 million to HMRC, and the failure to pay wages in five of the last seven months has gutted the squad. The EFL had previously expressed deep concern over the club’s finances as it staggered from one crisis to the next.
Administrators from Begbies Traynor are now in charge. They are tasked with finding a new owner for the club and the stadium, which will be sold as a package. Manager Henrik Pedersen called it a necessary reset, stating, “We knew from the last… eight months it cannot continue.”
Despite the massive points deficit, Pedersen is not resigning himself to relegation. “We will keep fighting,” he vowed. The Supporters Trust echoed this, calling on all fans to return to the stadium. “Now is the time to be Wednesday,” their statement read, urging unity to help the club rebuild.