A third Premier League club Sheffield United will now be deducted points – but not until they’re next playing in the Championship

Following Everton and Nottingham Forest’s punishments, a third Premier League club will now be deducted points – but not until they next play in the Championship.

Sheffield United will start with a two-point deduction the next time they play in the second tier following a ruling by the EFL. The Blades, who are currently bottom of the Premier League with 16 points from 31 games, broke EFL rules by defaulting on payments to other clubs during their 2022/23 promotion season.

As well as the initial deduction, they have been handed a further two-point suspension. The club said it was “disappointed” but will not appeal against the decision.

Instead, the South Yorkshire outfit added that it took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.

A Sheffield United statement read: “The club’s position was that the relevant sums had been paid in full, on several occasions only days after they were initially due, or negotiated with new future payment dates. The club has cooperated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement.

“While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs affected Sheffield United’s financial situation, the club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargos being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings. The club is now in a position to close this matter and concentrate on the future.”

The deferred payments were cumulatively in excess of 550 days. The Blades’ sanction, which begin from the start of the next season they are in the Championship, includes paying the EFL’s legal costs of £310,455.