Sheffield Wednesday are in ‘deep distress’, they face a 15 point deduction next season, and Dejphon Chansiri refuses to engage.
The EFL have informed the news to preferred bidder David Storch, who has now issued a statement on the current situation.
In it, he said that Sheffield Wednesday have been told they will receive a 15-point deduction at the start of the 2026/27 season in League One, despite their submissions arguing against it.
Owner Dejphon Chansiri is also unmoved, and attempts to negotiate a deal have gone unanswered, leaving the club with serious infrastructure issues.
A takeover remains on track to complete by the 1st of May with the hope of immediately fixing the infrastructure problems, but only “on the basis that the EFL agree to a reasonable approach to the intended 15 point penalty to be applied next season.”
Please see my statement attached #FairDealForWednesday pic.twitter.com/mugK5OV3JY
— David Storch (@storchyowl) April 15, 2026
Statement from David Storch Regarding Proposed Acquisition of Sheffield Wednesday
“I want to speak directly to the supporters of Sheffield Wednesday and the wider football community at what is a critical moment for this historic club.
“Over the past several months, my team at Arise Capital and I have worked tirelessly, professionally, and in good faith to secure the future of Sheffield Wednesday.
“Following extensive and constructive discussions with the English Football League (EFL), we submitted detailed representations just ahead of Easter for consideration by the Board, with the aim of addressing their proposed sanctions and ensuring a fair and proportionate outcome.
“These submissions were supported by powerful representations made by The SWFC Supporters Trust, Clive Betts, Lord David Blunkett and a group of additional MPs.
“Despite these efforts, we have now been informed that a 15-point penalty is set to be imposed at the start of next season. We fundamentally disagree with this decision.
“We also requested the opportunity for this matter to be reviewed through independent arbitration-going as far as offering to cover all associated legal costs ourselves in the interest of transparency and fairness. That request has been denied.
“This is deeply frustrating, not just for us, but for everyone who cares about the future of Sheffield
Wednesday.
“What makes this situation particularly difficult is that it is entirely unique. A significant portion of the club’s debt sits with its former owner, Dejphon Chansiri, who has not agreed to write down or restructure that debt. We have made repeated attempts, through the administrators, to engage with Mr. Chansiri in order to find a constructive resolution. Those requests have gone unanswered.
“At the same time, as our due diligence has progressed, the full scale of the serious infrastructure challenges has become apparent. These include inadequate water supply affecting even basic sanitation, and insufficient electrical capacity to support certain essential upgrades. The work required is significant and urgent, and likely to result in the need to invest substantial further sums. These are issues that Mr Chansiri must have known about for many years, yet we are required to fix them in months.
“Combined with a severely depleted playing squad and coming off such an unsuccessful season, these conditions point to a club in deep distress one that, without the right support and a fair regulatory approach, risks entering what could become one of the most challenging seasons in EFL history.
“Despite all of this, let me be clear: it remains our absolute intention to complete this transaction by 1 May.
“Sheffield Wednesday is worth saving. We believe in its supporters, its history, and its future. And, as we have shown to date, we remain prepared to invest the time, capital, and energy required to rebuild this club properly from its infrastructure to its footballing foundations.
“However, this is a unique situation, and it requires a fair and proportionate response.
“We are simply asking to be heard properly, for the circumstances to be fully considered, and for a decision that reflects the reality on the ground not one that risks further harm to a club facing extraordinary challenges and that has already suffered substantial penalties.
“We have today responded in full to the FL, and have committed that we will immediately address the serious infrastructure issues, on the basis that the EL agree to a reasonable approach to the intended 15 point penalty to be applied next season.
“I remain hopeful that a constructive path forward can still be found.
“At the same time, I would encourage those who care about the future of the club to make their voices heard in a constructive and responsible way. Supporters and the wider football community can play an important role by engaging across social media using the hashtag #FairDealForWednesday.
“Together, we can help ensure that this historic club is given the fair opportunity it deserves.”
Sheffield Wednesday must be given a fair hearing.
We are calling for independent scrutiny before any 15-point deduction is imposed. The current process lacks transparency and a clear route to appeal.
Read the full statement on our website. https://t.co/INNvQbK9fq…
— Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust (@SWFCTrust) April 15, 2026
STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPORTERS’ TRUST:
Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust notes the recent statement issued by the prospective owners and welcomes their continued commitment to completing the purchase of the club.
However, the EFL’s current position is a serious concern.
Sheffield Wednesday faces a proposed 15-point deduction without a clear path to an independent hearing or appeal regarding the circumstances involved.
This situation is unacceptable.
We are not asking the EFL to abandon its rules.
We are asking for independent scrutiny before a sanction of this scale is imposed.
The prospective owners have stated that they requested independent arbitration, which was refused. This should concern anyone who values integrity, transparency, and accountability in football governance.
This scale of sanction demands a fair and independent review.
Currently, this does not appear to be taking place.
Sheffield Wednesday has already faced significant consequences. The key issue now is whether the process is fair, transparent, and accountable.
The Trust is therefore calling for one clear outcome:
An independent and fair hearing on the proposed 15-point deduction, with full consideration of the club’s specific circumstances, is essential.
Anything less risks undermining confidence in the regulatory process for Sheffield Wednesday and the wider game.
The Trust will write to the Independent Football Regulator to ask it to ensure the league’s approach receives external scrutiny.
If the EFL continues to refuse an independent process, we may take additional steps include formally raising concerns with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and continuing to work with local MPs to ensure proper examination of this issue
Sheffield Wednesday deserves to be heard and treated fairly in this process.
The club needs the opportunity to move forward.
Q&A
What are you asking the EFL to do?
To allow an independent and fair hearing on the proposed 15-point deduction, with full consideration of the club’s circumstances.
Are you asking to have the 15-point deduction removed?
We are asking first for a fair process. Any outcome should follow from a proper and independent assessment of the facts.
Why is this case different?
Because the circumstances are materially different from other administration cases. That is exactly why the EFL Insolvency Policy says that each case needs to be considered on its merits.
What is the main concern with the EFL’s current position?
There is no clear independent route of appeal or arbitration for a sanction with consequences of this scale.
Have you engaged formally?
Yes. The Trust has made representations as part of broader efforts to secure a fair process and proper consideration of the club’s position.
What happens if the EFL refuses independent arbitration?
The Trust will escalate the matter by formally raising concerns, such as to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and will continue to work with local MPs on appropriate next steps.
The man who wants to rescue Sheffield Wednesday, American businessman David Storch, says he has been “informed that a 15-point penalty is set to be imposed at the start of next season” in League One. The outgoing owner Dejphon Chansiri should hang his head in shame at the damage…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 15, 2026
Henry Winter also tweeted: “The man who wants to rescue Sheffield Wednesday, American businessman David Storch, says he has been “informed that a 15-point penalty is set to be imposed at the start of next season” in League One. The outgoing owner Dejphon Chansiri should hang his head in shame at the damage he has inflicted on Sheffield Wednesday. He can’t have a conscience. Otherwise he’d accept a compromise on bid price.
“The EFL should have been tougher with Chansiri quicker. The FA should remember it is supposed to be custodians of the game and protect clubs. The importance of an Independent Football Regulator, much delayed by vested interests, is highlighted again by events at Wednesday.
“At the moment, the people being punished at Wednesday are fans, players, staff and the man who wants to save them. Shameful situation engulfing a historic club which could have been avoided with stronger leadership by the authorities. And Chansiri locating some principles. #SWFC”
