Sheffield Wednesday will NOT begin their 2026/27 League One campaign on minus points.
The Owls have had a torrid time of it both off and on the pitch in recent seasons and their relegation from the Championship was confirmed in February. Registering one win and 12 draws, they are yet to reach a positive points tally after being hit with 18 points worth of deductions this term.
There was set to be further gloom when the EFL threatened the Hillsborough outfit with a 15-point penalty fot the start of next season.
However, it's now been revealed that Wednesday will be spared of a points deduction following the completion of the club's takeover by US consortium Arise Capital Partners.
The consortium, led by American billionaire investor David Storch, was named as the preferred bidder last month following the collapse of a previous takeover attempt.
In order to avoid a 15-point deduction, the EFL require a bid that represents 25p in the pound. However, it was claimed that the intended investment from Storch's company fell way short of this at 6p in the pound.
Storch expressed his dissatisfaction at the situation in a statement released on Wednesday: "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."
Despite the threat of a points deduction, Storch proceeded with a deal which was officially completed on Friday 1st May and announced before a sold-out Hillsborough in their final Championship match of the season against West Brom.
To add to the party atmopshere, it was revealed that Wednesday will not start on minus points next season - giving them a blank canvas from which they can rebuild.
A Sheffield Wednesday statement read: “The Joint Administrators of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Limited are pleased to confirm the successful completion of the sale of the Club to Arise Capital Partners LLC, a consortium led by David Storch, alongside Michael Storch and Tom Costin.
“The transaction has been completed following constructive engagement with key stakeholders, including the English Football League (EFL), and in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
“As part of this process, the EFL Board exercised its discretion, as provided by the Insolvency Policy, and concluded that it would not be appropriate to impose a 15-point deduction on the club following its exit from administration.
"As such, the club will begin the upcoming season on 0 points. A position has also been agreed on wage and transfer parameters that is both acceptable and supportive of the club’s forward progress."
