It has now been almost three months since Sheffield Wednesday entered administration, and over four weeks since a preferred bidder was announced, yet the club’s takeover remains incomplete.
Supporters received a rare boost on Christmas Eve when it was confirmed that administrators had identified a preferred buyer.
The BBC later revealed the group was fronted by James Bord, the owner of AI-driven statistics company Short Circuit Science and a co-owner of Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.
The proposed takeover is seen as the first step towards rebuilding the Hillsborough club following the turbulent final years of Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership, which were plagued by late wage payments, transfer embargoes and points deductions.
However, progress has stalled since that announcement, leaving fans facing renewed uncertainty. With relegation to League One next season effectively sealed, the ownership situation has become the overriding concern for supporters. Until a deal is completed, it is difficult for fans to feel optimistic about the club’s future.
Here is the latest on where the Sheffield Wednesday takeover currently stands.
Consortium details emerge
Earlier this month, further details of the consortium were revealed. Alongside Bord is Felix Romer, a German-born entrepreneur with a background in online consumer businesses, including gambling. Romer is also a shareholder in Short Circuit Science.
Another key figure is Alsharif Faisal Bin Jami, the CEO of the Short Circuit group, who has been described as the consortium’s chief executive. Bin Jami sits on the boards of Dunfermline Athletic and Spanish second-tier club Córdoba, giving him experience within football club ownership structures.
Current takeover position and Kris Wigfield’s update
While Bord’s group has been named as the preferred bidder, this was only the initial stage of the takeover process.
In a statement issued on January 9, administrator Kris Wigfield explained that Begbies Traynor had fulfilled their obligations under insolvency law by confirming a preferred bidder. Responsibility has now passed to the EFL, which must carry out its own assessment and approval procedures.
Wigfield stated that once the EFL’s review progresses sufficiently, a formal announcement with further details will be made. Until then, administrators are limited in what they can disclose, as releasing information prematurely could risk undermining the sale and threatening the club’s future.
He confirmed that due diligence had already been undertaken by the administrators, including proof of funds and the payment of a non-refundable deposit. However, the EFL must still conduct its own independent checks.
It has also emerged that formal notification of the preferred bidder was only submitted to the EFL in early January, meaning documentation has been under review for just a matter of weeks.
With no clear timeline for completion, Wednesday supporters continue to wait anxiously. There remains a concern that failure to meet the EFL’s creditor requirements could result in a 15-point deduction at the start of next season.
While thorough scrutiny is essential given the club’s recent history of mismanagement, many fans will be hoping for clarity sooner rather than later as Sheffield Wednesday look to finally turn the page.
Leave a Reply