Sheffield United's former owner allegedly owed £35 million by COH Sports

Prince Abdullah has since issued a winding up petition over the unpaid takeover bill

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 9th Jul 2026

It's thought there's 'no evidence yet' that Sheffield United will be punished by the EFL - despite an ongoing legal dispute.

Recently - a 'winding up petition' was issued against COH Sports - who bought the Blades 18 months ago - by their former owner.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explains what Prince Abdullah is after - & says Blades fans shouldn't be too worried:

"There's at least two payments outstanding, and together they come to more than £20 million.

"So clearly, there's large sums of money involved.

"It's a commercial dispute between a buyer and a seller of a company.

"Where does it leave the football club? It looks uncomfortable, but there's no impact on the club budget or the ability of the club to sell tickets or merchandise.

"I think the EFL may give Sheffield United a discreet phone call at some point to try and get some clarity on what is going on and when they expect it to be resolved.

"There's no indication on the EFL's website about transfer embargoes and fee restrictions where Sheffield United fall into any of that right now.

"Is there a broader issue with the new owners at Sheffield United though?

"Certainly, looking at the COH Sports filings on companies house, they've not been putting money in themselves all the time.

"They've been borrowing money from third parties; you'd rather that not be the case.

"At the same time, you've got to accept that running and owning a football club is an amazing way to lose money, and Sheffield United are not unique in that.

"It could be that Prince Abdullah's lawyers are putting the pressure on the people from COH Sports to pay up.

"If they pay up, then happy days, and this dispute will have no impact on the football club."

Sheffield United announced last month that 1919 Partners LLC had replaced COH Sports as the company at the centre of its ownership.

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