Sheffield United will incur a two-point deduction the next time the club competes in the English Football League.

Sheffield United, the Premier League club from Sheffield, England, will begin their next English Football League (EFL) season with a two-point deduction. This punishment comes as a result of the club defaulting on payments to other clubs during the 2022-23 season, the same season in which they earned promotion to the top-flight.

In a statement released by Sheffield United, they expressed their disappointment with the deduction but highlighted their cooperation with the EFL in reaching a negotiated settlement. The club argued that the relevant sums had been paid in full, albeit sometimes after the initial due date or with renegotiated payment dates. They also mentioned that awaiting overdue payments from other clubs had affected their financial situation.

Despite their disappointment, Sheffield United believed it was better to reach an agreement to minimize the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes. They also wanted to avoid being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings. The club is now focused on closing this matter and looking towards the future.

In addition to the two-point deduction, Sheffield United has been given a further two-point penalty that is suspended until the end of the season in which the initial deduction takes effect. This suspended penalty will be activated if the club defaults on any payment due to another club for more than five business days from the due date.

The EFL also revealed that Sheffield United has agreed to pay costs amounting to £310,455. Currently, the club sits at the bottom of the Premier League, nine points behind 17th-place Nottingham Forest and 18th-place Luton Town, who occupy the final safety position.

With the threat of relegation looming, Sheffield United, managed by Chris Wilder, have crucial matches against fellow strugglers Burnley and Nottingham Forest, as well as Brentford and Everton, who are also in danger of relegation. The club has a game in hand on their rivals but only seven games remaining to avoid the drop.

If Sheffield United is relegated to the Championship, they will begin the next campaign with a two-point deduction.