Pivotal moment in Dozy Mmobuosi’s Sheffield United takeover bid after 'full and frank' talks
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Having had an offer accepted by current owner Prince Abdullah towards the end of last year, Mmobuosi’s takeover attempt has been closely scrutinised by the EFL to ensure he meets their strict criteria for owners of English clubs.
As The Star reported earlier this year, former Blades CEO Trevor Birch – now operating in the same position at the EFL – is understood to be taking a particular interest in Mmobuosi’s takeover bid, with checks beefed up in the light of high-profile criticism of some owners given the green light by the authorities in recent times.
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Hide AdMmobuosi, pictured this weekend in business meetings wearing a Blades baseball cap, recently hired renowned company Deloitte to audit his companies in a bid to lend extra credibility to his takeover bid and he this week met face-to-face with EFL officials for what were described as “full and frank” talks aimed at answering any outstanding issues so the process may move forward.
The last public statement on the matter came from the EFL in February, when they released a statement revealing they had posed questions to both United and Mmobuosi and had yet to receive responses. It is understood that Mmobuosi has subsequently provided that information to the league, who periodically return with requests for further details.
Until the EFL are satisfied that Mmobuosi passes their owners’ and directors’ tests, United are in a state of limbo. Their financial issues are well-documented and although CEO Stephen Bettis reassured supporters recently that the club are not close to going into administration, as had been reported, his admission that the club are not paying some suppliers in order to “put as much as we can into the first team” is not the best look at a time when many local businesses are also feeling the pinch amid a cost of living crisis.
United, who go into April second in the Championship and in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, remain under a transfer embargo for non-payment of transfer funds, although The Star understands they are putting plans in place to satisfy their obligations and come out of it.
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