Sheffield Wednesday's players have released a statement addressing the club's ongoing financial turmoil, hinting at possible strike action if the situation is not resolved. The statement comes in the wake of repeated instances of late or unpaid wages affecting players, coaching staff, and other club employees. The most recent instance occurred at the end of July, leading to the cancellation of a planned friendly match against Burnley.
The players' statement expresses solidarity with all club colleagues affected by the salary delays. They acknowledge the worry and uncertainty caused by the situation, emphasizing that the impact extends beyond just the players. The players also reassure fans that they are not "downing tools" and remain committed to working hard and supporting each other, the manager, and the staff. Despite this commitment, they are seeking clarity from owner Dejphon Chansiri, citing a lack of information both privately and publicly.
The statement highlights the real and practical impacts the financial issues are having on the professional and personal lives of players and staff. There is also significant concern over the lack of clarity regarding the situation and when it will be resolved. The decision to withdraw from the friendly against Burnley was not taken lightly, and the players are aware of the added concern this caused to supporters. They trust that there is an understanding of the difficult position they have been placed in and want to avoid similar situations in the future.
The players are urging for a swift resolution to allow them to fully focus on their on-field performance and the upcoming season. However, the financial instability is proving to be a significant challenge. The statement suggests that the Championship season opener against Leicester City could be in jeopardy if the payment issues are not rectified.
Adding to the sense of crisis, Sheffield Wednesday has faced financial breaches several times since 2017. Owner Dejphon Chansiri has stated his willingness to sell the club amidst the turmoil, but progress appears to be slow. The club is currently under a transfer embargo due to unpaid fees. To ease cash flow problems, players like Anthony Musaba and Djeidi Gassama have been sold in cut-price deals, while players such as Josh Windass and Michael Smith have left on free transfers after not being paid on time. Last week, manager Danny Rohl also departed, with Henrik Pedersen stepping in as his replacement. The only summer signing has been captain Barry Bannan, who agreed to a new deal with a pay cut after his previous contract expired.
