Sheffield United Owners File Winding‑Up Petition Over £35m Debt
Background to the Dispute
United World, the investment vehicle of Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has lodged a winding‑up petition against the club’s current owners, COH Sports Bidco Limited. The claim centers on a debt exceeding £35 million, inclusive of interest. United World also contests a recent board update that identified 1919 Partners LLC as the “parent company of Sheffield United.”
Takeover and Ownership Change
Coh Sports, led by businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, completed its acquisition of the Championship club in December 2024. At the time, the new owners pledged to honour the huge responsibility of owning Sheffield United. Both Rosen and Eltoukhy remain on the club’s board after the takeover.
Legal Action and Allegations
In a statement, United World said the size of the owed amount forced it to issue a High Court petition to wind up CSBL. The former owners expressed dismay that recent events have misled both them and the EFL, jeopardising the club’s long‑term stability. They warned that allowing COH’s owners to evade promised payments would undermine confidence in lawful EFL investments. United World added that it would work with its legal team to prevent or remedy the alleged wrongdoing.
Response from COH Sports and 1919 Partners
1919 Partners LLC responded by asserting that the dispute has no impact on day‑to‑day operations or the club’s financial health ahead of the new season. The company described the restructuring as a move to create a stronger, more efficient ownership platform supporting long‑term sustainability. It noted that the matter is private and that it is engaging constructively with the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator.
Reactions from the EFL and Regulator
The EFL said it is aware of the developments involving Sheffield United and has asked for observations from the relevant parties under EFL regulations. As the process is ongoing, the league declined to comment further. The Independent Football Regulator echoed a similar stance, confirming it is engaging with the parties but cannot elaborate at this stage.
Season Outlook
Sheffield United finished the previous campaign in 13th place in the Championship. The new season kicks off with an EFL Cup visit to Mansfield Town on Sunday, 9 August. Fans expect the club to focus on match results rather than the ongoing ownership dispute.