This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Sheffield Wednesday return to Championship action this weekend, but a worrying set of circumstances has evolved over the international break.
The EFL have charged the south Yorkshire club with financial misconduct over the £60m sale of their Hillsborough stadium to owner Dejphon Chansiri after allegations were made over how and when the process occurred.
It has come at potentially the worst possible time as the team are on the cusp of a playoff position and their first game since the news is only the league leaders, West Bromwich Albion.
But that is merely a short-term worry. How will manager Garry Monk motivate his side? Will they still want to fight for results? These are all unknowns, especially as their punishment is yet to be revealed.
The Owls hierarchy will also contest anything thrown their way, so this uncertainty is only going to rumble on and on.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes the club are likely to face a 12-point deduction at the bare minimum, but there are all sorts of potential repercussions that the EFL could use to punish Wednesday.
Chansiri’s actions in the past have led to several transfer embargoes, while the possibility of being kicked out of the league can’t be thrown out of the equation just yet. Nothing can.
The long-term impact that a combination of the above, or even one penalty, could have is so severe to Monk’s future plans.
There are potentially 11 first-team players out of contract this summer, and if you take into consideration that the Owls have used 22 different players in the league (one of which is no longer at the club) this campaign, then the 40-year-old could be very light on numbers before next season.
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A transfer embargo could seriously hinder his chances of being able to add to the squad while the situation as a whole may be offputting for any player that Monk may want to keep hold of.
Therefore, the Wednesday boss may be left in a sticky situation come the summer. Might youth have to be called upon? We’ll have to see just how hard the EFL come down on the club.
