Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said the plight of Sheffield Wednesday serves as “another reminder of the need for the independent football regulator.” Her comments came after the Owls were placed in administration and deducted 12 points, leaving them on -6.
Nandy, who experienced a similar crisis with her own team, Wigan Athletic, said, “I know everyone who loves the club will be hoping for a resolution as soon as possible.” The new regulator, which was signed into law this year, is designed to prevent financial mismanagement like that seen at Wednesday.
The club was put into administration by owner Dejphon Chansiri, whose tenure was described as “years of financial mismanagement” by the Supporters Trust. The club faces $pounds{}$1 million in unpaid taxes and has a history of missed wage payments.
The 12-point penalty leaves the club 15 points from safety. Despite this, manager Henrik Pedersen insists his team will “keep fighting.”
Administrator Begbies Traynor is now in charge and seeking a “swift sale” of the club and stadium. The Supporters Trust, which had led boycotts against Chansiri, is now calling on fans to “re-engage” and provide the income needed to “rebuild from the ground up.”
