Rock-bottom Sheffield United have been hit with a points deduction that will impact the South Yorkshire club the next time they step foot in the Football League. The Blades have been hit with a two-point punishment by the EFL for defaulted transfer payments during the 2022/2023 season.

Sheffield United are currently 20th in the Premier League and are facing up to the prospect of an instant return to the Championship. In the event they are relegated, they will start next season at a disadvantage after confirmation of their punishment from the EFL.

The Blades have also been reprimanded with a two-point suspended deduction which will be activated if the club default on any payment to another club under a transfer or compensation agreement – for more than five business days – after the due date is agreed on.

It comes after Premier League teams Everton (twice) and Nottingham Forest were hit with point deductions for Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) breaches. They were docked eight (in total) and four points respectively with Sheffield United answering up to a charge from the EFL instead, meaning it will not directly impact London outfits Arsenal, Chelsea or Tottenham, as the dock will not be actioned while they are a Premier League member.

An official statement from The Blades read: “Sheffield United notes today’s statement from the EFL with regards to breaches by the club of regulations 52.2.3 and 52.2.4 in the 2022/2023 season.

“It has been agreed the Blades will commence the next season in which the club is subject to the EFL’s jurisdiction with a two-point deduction. The club’s position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full – on several occasions only days after they were initially due – or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.”

It added: ” The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question.

“While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL – and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs effected Sheffield United’s financial situation – the club took the view 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.

“The club is now in a position to close this matter and concentrate on the future.”