Sheffield United’s New Owners Face Winding-Up Petition from Former Owners Over £35 Million Claim

Former owners United World have filed a winding up petition in the High Court against COH Sports Bidco Limited, the company that owns Sheffield United, claiming they are owed more than £35 million including interest. United World, the investment company of Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said the petition follows the American-based consortium's completion of the takeover in December 2024.

The group also questioned the validity of a board update last month that named 1919 Partners LLC as the parent company of Sheffield United.

"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," United World stated. " United World further said that allowing the new owners to gain control without paying the promised amounts would undermine confidence in lawful investment in EFL clubs.

COH Sports is led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, who remain on the club's board.

A spokesperson for 1919 Partners LLC said the matter has no impact on day-to-day operations or financial stability at Sheffield United. "We are focused on winning football matches, not playing politics," the spokesperson stated. The EFL has requested observations from the relevant parties under its regulations.

Sheffield United finished 13th in the Championship last season and open the new campaign with an EFL Cup trip to Mansfield Town on Sunday, 9 August.