Sheff Utd facing disciplinary probe after rivals complain that investors trying to buy club have already broken rules
SHEFFIELD UNITED are facing a disciplinary probe after rivals complained to the EFL over their proposed takeover.
A group of US investors are trying to buy the Blades and have been accused of breaking rules by conducting transfer business before completing their takeover.
SunSport has learned the EFL have received reports that representatives of Sheffield United’s incoming owners, a mystery group based in California, have become involved in transfer negotiations.
The EFL are believed to be looking into the matter which could result in disciplinary action.
Birmingham are also being investigated over alleged breaches of EFL regulation 86, as a group seeking to buy the club last year are accused of running operations despite not receiving formal approval or passing the owners and directors test.
The proposed £35m takeover by Maxco subsequently collapsed, but the EFL still charged the individuals involved, with former Charlton chief executive Matt Southall, former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez and local businessman Paul Richardson all given bans from acting as directors.
The EFL have subsequently reminded all their members that incoming owners cannot act on behalf of the club they are seeking to buy, which has led to several querying Sheffield United‘s recent transfer activity.
With the Blades in limbo while the takeover drags on the club are in a difficult position, with the Championship season starting in less than a month.
Chris Wilder‘s squad is in desperate need of reinforcements after 10 players were released following relegation from the Premier League last season, with four loan players also leaving Bramall Lane.
Sheffiled United have been on the market for some time, with owner Prince Abdullah last year agreeing a £100milllion-plus deal to sell to Dozy Mmobuosi.
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But the Nigerian businessman failed to satisfy the EFL’s owners and directors test and was later charged with fraud in the United States.
The club remain hopeful that the two unnamed Americans fronting the consortium will complete a deal before the start of the season.
The bidders have not been named, but are understood to be the founders of a capital investment fund based in California.
Although the pair are eager to maintain a low profile they are believed to have attended Blades games last season.
Sheffield United and the EFL declined to comment.