Tue Aug 18, 2026 7:56 am
Prince Abdullah’s United World has claimed that Sheffield United could face a 12-point deduction if their former takeover company is wound up on Wednesday, while also claiming Steven Rosen could be forced out of his role under EFL regulations
Sheffield United face the prospect of a 12-point deduction and further upheaval at boardroom level if their owners’ former takeover vehicle is wound up on Wednesday, according to an explosive statement issued by Prince Abdullah’s United World this evening.
The Saudi-based group, which previously owned the Blades, has accused COH Sports Bidco Limited of owing more than £35m following the 2024 takeover of the club by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, for around £100m.
A winding-up petition against COH Sports Bidco will be heard at the High Court in London on Wednesday morning. The petition was formally presented on July 6.
And United World has now issued a lengthy statement ahead of the hearing, claiming that the transfer of Sheffield United’s shares into a new Delaware-based company, 1919 Partners LLC, has left COH Sports Bidco without assets with which to repay the debt.
The former owners allege that the restructuring was an attempt to avoid paying the money owed. The current ownership has previously rejected that suggestion, insisting the restructuring was designed to create a stronger and more flexible platform for the club.
United World says the consequences could extend well beyond the ownership company, claiming that, if the winding-up petition is successful, United could face a 12-point deduction under EFL Regulation 12.3 following an investigation.
The statement says there is a “real prospect” of such a punishment, arguing that allowing owners to acquire football clubs without paying the agreed purchase price could undermine the integrity of the competition.
The EFL is already examining the situation. It confirmed last month that it had requested observations from the relevant parties but said it could not comment further while the process remained ongoing.
United World has also raised questions over Rosen’s position as Sheffield United chairman and controlling owner.
The former owners claim Rosen’s previous involvement as a director of US company Invacare, which experienced an insolvency event in 2023, could become relevant under EFL regulations if COH Sports Bidco is wound up.
United World claims that would mean Rosen could be disqualified from being a controlling owner or director of the Blades and forced to sell a significant proportion of his controlling interest.
Those are United World’s interpretation of the potential consequences, rather than sanctions that have been imposed. Representatives for Rosen and Eltoukhy described the claims as “publicity stunts.”
The immediate legal action remains against COH Sports Bidco rather than United Football Club itself. United World has consistently maintained that more than £35m remains unpaid, while the current ownership has acknowledged an outstanding matter but disputed the former owner’s characterisation of the situation.
United World says it does not want United to face months of uncertainty but claims it has been left with no alternative but to pursue legal action to protect its interests. The statement concludes with the hope that the dispute can be resolved before Wednesday’s hearing, therefore avoiding the potential consequences they claim the club could face.
Sources close to the ownership said: “We are disappointed Prince Abdullah is trying to hurt the club and its supporters with publicity stunts. The deal between sophisticated parties in 2024 was well advised by his financial advisors.
“Sheffield United is financially healthy, unlike under Prince Abdullah when the club incurred a points deduction for missing payments to football creditors.
“Nonetheless, Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen invited Abdullah to re-invest in the club and join the ownership of Sheffield United and to help use his skills to support our promotion efforts.
“Helmy and Steve are focused on the sustainability of the club and the season ahead.”