The ownership crisis at Sheffield United has intensified after the club's former owners filed a winding-up petition in the High Court, claiming they are owed over £35 million from the current ownership group, COH Sports Bidco Limited. The legal move throws the Championship club's stability into serious doubt as the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator launch investigations.
Prince Abdullah’s Damning Accusations
United World, the investment company of Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has alleged that COH Sports—led by American businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy—has failed to honor the full purchase price agreed when they took over in December 2024. In a letter seen by the BBC, United World stated:
“In light of the substantial sums that United World is owed by CSBL (over £35 million inclusive of interest), we have been forced to issue a petition in the High Court to wind-up CSBL.”
The former owners further questioned the validity of a recent board update that named 1919 Partners LLC as the “parent company of Sheffield United,” suggesting the restructuring was a deliberate attempt to avoid payment. United World warned that if COH Sports is allowed to “gain control of a football club without paying the amounts they promised,” it would undermine confidence in EFL investment.
Current Owners Deny Wrongdoing
In response, a spokesperson for 1919 Partners LLC insisted the matter has “no impact on the day-to-day operations or financial stability of Sheffield United,” and dismissed the claims as “play[ing] politics.” They added:
“This is an outstanding matter with the former owner, and we will not comment on private commercial discussions. We have engaged, and will continue to engage, constructively and transparently with the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator.”
COH Sports maintains that the restructuring was intended to create a more efficient and sustainable ownership model for the club’s long-term benefit.
EFL and Regulator Scrutiny
The EFL confirmed it has requested observations from all parties, while the Independent Football Regulator, which has powers to act against unsuitable owners, is engaging with the relevant entities. Both bodies stressed they could not comment further while investigations are ongoing.
Sheffield United, who finished 13th in the Championship last season, are due to begin their new campaign at Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup on 9 August, but the off-field turmoil risks overshadowing football matters. The club’s supporters will be anxious for a swift resolution to avoid potential points deductions or worse.
Key Takeaways
- Former Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah claims he is owed over £35m by COH Sports Bidco Limited and has filed a winding-up petition.
- United World alleges a sham restructuring created 1919 Partners LLC to avoid paying the debt, potentially misleading the EFL.
- Current owners deny any wrongdoing, stating the club’s operations and finances remain stable.
- The EFL and the Independent Football Regulator are both investigating, with possible sanctions on the line.
- The dispute threatens to undermine confidence in football club takeovers and could disrupt Sheffield United’s season.
Quick Facts
Claim Amount: Over £35 million (including interest)
Former Owner: United World (Prince Abdullah)
Current Owner: COH Sports Bidco Limited / 1919 Partners LLC
Legal Action: Winding-up petition in the High Court
Regulatory Bodies: English Football League, Independent Football Regulator
Club Status: Championship side, 13th in 2025/26 season
Information based on reports from BBC Sport and The Guardian.
