Sheffield Wednesday Placed in Administration, Face 12-Point Deduction

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club has officially entered administration, a move that triggers an automatic 12-point deduction and plunges the club's future into uncertainty. The announcement on Friday, October 24, 2025, marks a significant turning point in the club's 158-year history, ending months of financial turmoil under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri.

The English Football League (EFL) confirmed the 12-point sanction, a consequence of entering administration under league rules. The deduction leaves Wednesday at the bottom of the Championship table with -6 points after 11 games, a daunting 15 points adrift from safety.

Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield, and Paul Stanley of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators of both Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Limited and Sheffield 3 Limited, the company owning Hillsborough Stadium. The administrators have taken over the day-to-day running of the club to protect the interests of creditors and seek a new owner. Kris Wigfield stated that the club had been trading at a significant loss for several years, with the losses historically funded by Chansiri. Increased financial pressure led the owner to place the club and stadium company into administration, allowing them to be marketed together to prospective buyers.

The move to administration follows failed attempts to sell the club and mounting pressure from creditors. Sheffield Wednesday has faced numerous financial issues under Chansiri's leadership, including unpaid wages, tax debts, and multiple EFL embargoes. Chansiri was also charged in June with breaching EFL regulations over payments.

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust described the day as "one of the most bittersweet days in our club's proud 158-year history". While acknowledging the gravity of administration, the Trust expressed joy at the end of Chansiri's tenure, stating, "We are overjoyed to have Dejphon Chansiri out of our club for good". The Trust added that administration was the "inevitable outcome of years of financial mismanagement, a lack of accountability, and repeated failures to engage credible buyers".

Manager Henrik Pedersen addressed the situation at a press conference, calling it "tough" but "necessary". He acknowledged the sadness of a club with Wednesday's history entering administration and facing a point deduction but expressed optimism about creating a positive future.

The EFL has stated that administration presents Sheffield Wednesday with an opportunity to move towards a successful sale and secure its future under new ownership. The league will engage with the administrators to facilitate an early resolution and end the uncertainty for everyone associated with the club.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the situation as "extremely worrying" for fans, staff, and players. She emphasized that owners should act in the club's best interests, which she believes was not the case in this instance.

Average home attendance at Hillsborough Stadium has decreased by approximately 35% since last season, from over 26,000 to just over 17,000. This drop in revenue, compounded by boycotts of ticketing, concessions, and retail outlets, has led to the closure of several matchday facilities. Joint administrator Kris Wigfield emphasized the importance of fans returning to the ground, buying tickets and merchandise to support the club's day-to-day operations and facilitate a viable sale to new ownership.

Despite the challenges, there is hope that administration will pave the way for new ownership and a fresh start for Sheffield Wednesday. The focus now shifts to finding a suitable buyer who can restore stability and guide the club towards a brighter future.