EFL Confirms Sheffield Wednesday Can Begin Season Amid Transfer Ban and Ownership Uncertainty

The EFL has confirmed that Sheffield Wednesday will be allowed to begin their Championship campaign on Sunday, despite ongoing financial and ownership issues.

However, the governing body has urged owner Dejphon Chansiri to resolve the "uncertainty and impasse" surrounding the club’s future.

In a statement released ahead of the club’s season opener at Leicester City, the EFL said it has no restrictions in place to prevent the match from going ahead, but it expressed serious concern over the current situation at Hillsborough.

The league revealed that it is in “advanced discussions” with Chansiri’s legal team regarding a potential sale of the club, following months of instability including delayed wages for players and staff, a registration and fee-based transfer embargo, and the closure of the North Stand due to structural concerns.

Wednesday remain under a fee restriction on transfers and loans, extended until after the January 2027 window. This means the club cannot pay for incoming players, further limiting their squad options. The Owls currently have just 15 first-team players, following a summer that saw multiple departures and the exit of manager Danny Rohl.

Despite concerns over player unrest, including a cancelled behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley, BBC Sport reports that the players are set to fulfil Sunday’s fixture, with those who have trained this week available for selection.

The EFL’s statement was unequivocal in its message to the club’s ownership:

“The current owner needs either to fund the club to meet its obligations or make good on his commitment to sell to a well-funded party, for fair market value – ending the current uncertainty and impasse.”

The EFL added that basic award payments and a Premier League solidarity payment will be distributed this week to help cover staff and player wages. It also suggested player sales could be used to generate the necessary funds under current restrictions.

Meanwhile, the league's independent club financial reporting unit (CFRU) has been in daily communication with Wednesday to monitor their financial stability and explore possible adjustments to the playing squad that would help meet fixture commitments.

The transfer ban was formally extended after the club exceeded 30 days of late payments since the start of the 2025–26 financial year on 1 July.

Finally, the EFL has called on supporters to avoid disruptive protests during matches, warning that such actions could lead to further sanctions and harm ongoing negotiations regarding a change of ownership.