Potential New Ownership at Sheffield Wednesday: What to Know About Shabtai Bord
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sheffield Wednesday, currently facing meaningful challenges at the bottom of the EFL Championship table, may soon be under new ownership. american businessman Shabtai Bord has emerged as a leading candidate to purchase the club, submitting an offer to creditors that avoids further point deductions. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, the key players, and what it means for the future of the Owls.
Who is Shabtai Bord?
Shabtai Bord is an American investor with experience in sports ownership. He, along with partner Evan Sofer, owned Dunfermline Athletic for nearly a year, selling their stake in the Scottish club in November 2023.Bord recently attended his first Sheffield Wednesday match in person, a 3-2 loss to Ayr United, demonstrating his commitment to the potential acquisition.
The Bid for Sheffield Wednesday
Bord’s bid for Sheffield Wednesday is significant as it exceeds the minimum requirements set by the EFL for creditor payments. This is crucial because it means the club will not begin the next season with an additional -15 point deduction, a fate that would have been likely with a lower offer. Currently, Wednesday sits at the bottom of the Championship table with -9 points, stemming from previous financial breaches. The offer to creditors is a key step in rescuing the club.
It remains unclear who else is involved in Bord’s consortium or whether the purchase will be conducted through his company, Park Bench SFC LLC.
Potential Hurdles: The EFL Owners and Directors’ Test
while the financial offer appears promising, Bord’s bid still faces a critical hurdle: the EFL’s Owners and Directors’ Test. This test assesses the suitability of potential owners, and Bord’s past involvement in gambling may raise concerns. The EFL will scrutinize his financial stability and business dealings to ensure he meets the necessary criteria. Passing this test is essential for the takeover to be approved.
Key Takeaways
* Potential New Owner: Shabtai Bord is the leading candidate to purchase Sheffield Wednesday.
* Financial Stability: His offer to creditors avoids a further 15-point deduction.
* EFL Approval needed: The bid is contingent on passing the Owners and Directors’ Test.
* Previous Ownership: Bord previously owned Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic.
* Current Situation: Sheffield Wednesday is currently bottom of the Championship with -9 points.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial for Sheffield Wednesday. the EFL’s review of Bord’s bid and his ability to pass the Owners and Directors’ Test will determine the club’s future. If prosperous,Bord’s investment could provide a much-needed lifeline for the Owls,offering a path towards financial stability and a potential return to competitiveness. However, the club’s immediate focus remains on navigating the challenges of the current season and attempting to climb out of the relegation zone.
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