Dejphon Chansiri's decade-long tenure as owner of Sheffield Wednesday appears to be approaching a critical juncture, with the club facing a multitude of financial and regulatory challenges that have plunged it into deep turmoil. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that many observers believe the club has reached a point of no return under his ownership.
The most immediate concern is the club's precarious financial state. Sheffield Wednesday has been hit with a double embargo after breaching English Football League (EFL) regulations. The initial embargo was imposed due to the club's failure to pay players' wages for the month of May. While some players have since been paid, others remain without their money, leading to a breach of regulation. Compounding this issue, a further embargo has been applied due to the club's failure to meet its HMRC reporting obligations for unpaid amounts. The EFL has charged both Sheffield Wednesday and Dejphon Chansiri with multiple breaches of regulations relating to payment obligations. These charges relate to the failure to pay players' wages on time and in full in March and May 2025. Chansiri has been specifically charged with causing the club to breach EFL regulations despite his commitment to funding the club's cash requirements. The EFL is considering all available options in accordance with its regulations.
These financial problems have led to severe restrictions on the club. While already under embargo which restricts them in terms of fees and wages, Sheffield Wednesday must settle its debts with both players and HMRC before the embargo can be lifted. A three-window transfer embargo remains a looming threat for Sheffield Wednesday. Under the EFL's updated regulations, clubs that accumulate 30 days of wage or HMRC non-payment across a 12-month period can face automatic sanctions, including a three-window transfer embargo with no right to appeal. Under embargo rules, Wednesday will only be able to sign players when there is no transfer or loan fee involved, and they are not allowed to have a squad bigger than 23 players.
Chansiri has stated that he is willing to sell the club but only to the right people with the right credentials who can sustain Sheffield Wednesday and take the club forward. He declined two takeover bids from an American consortium. Chansiri alleges there have been inaccuracies publicized regarding the bids.
The club's financial difficulties and the resulting sanctions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability. There is uncertainty regarding the future of Danny Rohl as manager. The German has clearly outlined his desire to leave Hillsborough. As it stands, Wednesday do not have any senior pre-season friendlies in the calendar.
