Why Sheffield United are set to start next season on minus two points

An independent commission on behalf of the Football League has hit the Blades with the punishment for defaulting on payments to other clubs last season. There is no scope for the club to appeal.

The Blades' defaults on transfer and compensation payments were found to have exceeded 550 days last season.

They were put under a transfer embargo in January which was lifted late in the campaign. They were referred to the disciplinary commission in March 2023.

The club accepted guilt in July but put various points forward in mitigation.

The defaults relate to five signings – two on loan and three permanent, though the loans were later ruled to be not covered by the rules. Two of the permanent deals were due to paid in euros, the rest in pounds. Although the names of the clubs and players have been kept confidential, the signings of Anel Ahmedhodzic from Malmo and Rhian Brewster from Liverpool are thought to be two.

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The total amount of money due for the five transfers was around £8.2m at today's exchange rates.

The commission took into account the fact that the 2023 transfer embargo "had been ineffective in circumstances where the club had secured promotion to the Premier League" and rejected the club's claim that the Football League did not have jurisdiction.

The punishment will only apply the next time the club is in the Football League, but with them adrift at the bottom of the Premier League, that seems almost certain to be next season.

They have a further two-point punishment suspended until the end of the campaign the other deduction comes into effect.

It will be applied if the club defaults on any payment to another club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.

The club has agreed to pay the League's £310,455 costs , and to inform it of any defaults within two business days.