Sheffield United Owners Face Winding-Up Petition
Sheffield United’s owners are facing a fresh off-field issue after the company used to buy the club was served with a winding-up petition by former owner Prince Abdullah. The Saudi prince sold the Blades to COH Sports in late 2024, but part of the purchase fee was deferred and due to be paid in instalments.
The latest development concerns COH Sports Bidco, the UK limited company set up by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy to complete the takeover. Documents show that solicitors acting for Prince Abdullah have filed the necessary paperwork, with the dispute relating to what is claimed to be an unpaid takeover bill.
A previous instalment, understood to be £10m, was due last October but was paid late. The latest claim suggests the final two instalments, said to have been due in April and June, have not been paid. COH Sports Bidco will have the opportunity to respond, and the matter could still be settled or dismissed before reaching court.
Insolvency practitioner Kris Wigfield, who recently became involved at Sheffield Wednesday after their administration, commented on the situation on X.
“A winding up petition has been issued against the holding company of Sheffield United by its former owner. This would likely come with the same EFL sanctions as if the WUP was against the football club itself.
“However, I would have thought it’s highly likely to be a commercial game of cat and mouse that will be resolved well before it ever gets to court.”