Sheffield Wednesday to Fulfil Championship Opener

Sheffield Wednesday’s first-team squad will fulfil their opening Championship fixture against Leicester City this Sunday, despite a summer overshadowed by financial instability, off-field uncertainty, and player unrest.

BBC Sport has reported that the players who have been fit enough to train this week are available for selection, ensuring that the televised clash at the King Power Stadium will go ahead as planned.

The news comes after a tumultuous off-season for the Owls, marked by delayed wage payments to players and staff across May, June and July, a transfer registration embargo, and the closure of Hillsborough’s North Stand due to safety concerns. The club also parted ways with head coach Danny Rohl earlier in the summer.

Concerns over the club’s ability to fulfil its Championship commitments had been raised by the English Football League, following the cancellation of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley. That game was called off after players refused to participate in protest over repeated delays in pay.

Club captain Barry Bannan, speaking to Talksport, clarified that the weekend’s protest was specific to the friendly and not a sign that the players would strike during competitive fixtures.

“We pulled out of the Burnley game… it’s a lot easier to pull out of a pre-season friendly game than it is a Championship fixture,” said Bannan.
“We’ve come into training and just got on with it and made it look to the outside world like we’re fine with it, so that was our choice then to say ‘enough’s enough’ really.”

The squad is currently down to just 15 first-team players, following multiple contract terminations triggered by late salary payments. The club has also missed payments to HMRC and is facing rising debts.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust has announced plans to protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri during Sunday’s match, reflecting growing frustration among fans over the club’s financial management and lack of communication.

Despite the crisis, the team will take to the pitch in front of a national TV audience, with supporters hoping the situation stabilises in the coming weeks.