Revealed! The extraordinary sum Kevin McCabe's company spent on fighting Prince Abdullah in High Court for control of Sheffield United

His former business partner, Kevin McCabe, has since signalled his intention to appeal the verdict – a process which, if granted, could lead to two more years of uncertainty over the club's ownership.

And, in the latest accounts of Sheffield United Limited (SUL), the company through which McCabe and Co. operated their 50 per cent stake in the Blades, it was revealed that SUL spent over £5.6million on 'exceptional legal fees in connection with court case'. The amount – £5,648,649 – is higher than the £5m Prince Abdullah was ordered to pay McCabe for his share in the Blades, although the former must also purchase the club's assets – including Bramall Lane and the training ground – from McCabe, at a fair market value.

Under the terms of the ruling handed down by Mr. Justice Fancourt, Prince Abdullah and Co. must purchase the club's property options before July 3, 2020. A Q&A section of the accounts adds that, once McCabe's share of United has passed to Prince Abdullah and the property purchase has also completed, SUL will wind down its affairs.

A McCabe statement at the time of the judgement read: “For the McCabe family to have lost their connection with the football club in this manner and by way of this judgment is simply heartbreaking.”

A statement from Prince Abdullah after the decision read: “I am delighted that this judgement brings to an end the uncertainty over Sheffield United's future.”

McCabe effectively handed Prince Abdullah 50 per cent of United's parent company six years ago, in return for certain financial guarantees. But when their relationship deteriorated, McCabe submitted a takeover bid which, under the terms of their original investors agreement, was countered by the Saudi royal. However, McCabe refused to process the deal after objecting to a 'corporate manoeuvre' involving UTB's shareholding – McCabe’s lawyers argued that, by transferring a portion of its stake to a newly registered company, UTB did not immediately have to acquire United's property interests, which include the training complex and Bramall Lane.