A fresh complication has surfaced in the proposed takeover of Sheffield Wednesday, as consortium frontman James Bordis reportedly facing legal action in the United States.
The Owls are still awaiting formal confirmation that the Bord-led group has successfully completed its bid, with the deal currently undergoing the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
Given the number of individuals involved in the consortium, the process has taken longer than usual. With relegation now appearing almost certain, supporters had hoped confirmation of new ownership would provide a lift heading into the final weeks of the campaign. However, a new report has cast doubt over the situation.
Bord facing lawsuit from former associate
According to reports, Bord is being sued by former business partner Jonathan Cohen over an investment linked to Spanish club Córdoba, in which Bord holds a stake.
Cohen, a Canadian professional poker player, alleges serious misconduct, including claims of “oppression, fraud and malice.” His legal team is seeking punitive damages as part of the case.
Among the allegations outlined in the report are claims that Bord:
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Wilfully misled Cohen into believing Córdoba were debt-free at the time of his 2024 investment, when the club was allegedly carrying debts of around $23 million (approximately £16.9m).
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Took control of a bitcoin account belonging to Cohen valued at around $6 million (roughly £4.4m).
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Failed to formally acknowledge Cohen’s investment through a written contract despite repeated requests.
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Offered what has been described as a “coupon” in exchange for an ownership stake in the Spanish club.
The case is ongoing, and no legal judgment has been reached.
Bord’s response
Due to the active legal proceedings, Bord has been unable to comment in detail. However, a spokesperson issued a statement describing the situation as “deeply upsetting” and said Bord had supported Cohen both financially and personally over the years, considering him a friend.
Potential implications for the takeover
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the lawsuit will have any direct impact on the proposed takeover of Sheffield Wednesday. The EFL is expected to review all relevant information as part of its due diligence process.
If concerns arise from the legal case, it could potentially delay or complicate approval. A collapse of the deal would represent a major setback for the club, which is already facing uncertainty on the pitch and off it.
Bord’s consortium was named preferred bidder on Christmas Eve, but communication has been limited since, with only one public statement issued. Administrators have confirmed that the group is covering the club’s ongoing losses while regulatory checks are completed.
With this latest development adding another layer of uncertainty, further clarification from either the administrators or the consortium may be forthcoming in the coming days.
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