Sheffield Wednesday Hit with Transfer Ban After Wage Payment Breaches

Gary Emmerson

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Last updated: 18 Jun 2025

Gary Emmerson 18 Jun 2025

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Sheffield Wednesday banned from transfers for three windows over late wage payments.
Existing registration embargo: No new signings until all wages paid.
Club can sign players only if squad drops below 23.

Sheffield Wednesday hit with transfer ban (Getty Images)

Sheffield Wednesday have been slapped with a transfer ban covering the next three windows after breaching EFL rules on timely wage payments to players and staff.

The English Football League confirmed the club cannot pay a fee for any player until the January 2027 window, following delays in salary payments that exceeded the 30-day threshold set by league regulations.

This restriction applies to both permanent transfers and loan deals involving a fee, and it comes on top of an existing registration embargo that already prevents the club from signing any new players - including free agents - until all outstanding wages are settled.

The only exception to this embargo is if the senior squad drops below 23 players, in which case the club may sign a player on a free transfer or loan without breaching the ban.

Sheffield Wednesday have announced their intention to appeal the EFL’s decision, but for now, the restrictions are set to begin this summer and will also cover both transfer windows in 2026.

Background: Wage Delays and Club Response

The sanctions stem from two separate instances of delayed wage payments in March and May, with the total delays surpassing the 30-day limit allowed by the EFL.

The club and its owner, Dejphon Chansiri, have also been charged by the EFL for failing to pay player salaries on time, and the matter is now with an independent disciplinary commission.

Chansiri has publicly apologized to players, coaches, and staff for the late payments, which triggered the registration embargo two weeks ago.

In a club statement, Sheffield Wednesday confirmed their intention to contest the EFL’s ruling and said they are unable to provide further comment while the appeal process is ongoing.

Fan and Political Reaction

The situation has sparked outrage among supporters and local politicians. Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts has called for Chansiri to sell the club, accusing him of holding it hostage amid ongoing financial turmoil.

Fans have voiced frustration over the club’s direction and the owner’s reluctance to lower his asking price for a potential sale, which many see as unrealistic given the current crisis.

What’s Next for Sheffield Wednesday

The transfer ban is in effect for the summer 2025, winter 2026, and summer 2026 windows.
The club cannot pay a fee for any player until January 2027.
The registration embargo remains until all outstanding wages are paid.
The club is appealing the EFL’s decision, but the outcome is pending.

With the new season approaching, Sheffield Wednesday face a challenging period both on and off the pitch, as they attempt to resolve their financial issues, navigate the transfer restrictions, and restore stability at Hillsborough.