Sheffield Wednesday release explosive statement claiming EFL misconduct charges are 'unlawful'

The charges relate to the sale of Hillsborough Stadium as the club went about balancing their books to fill in-line with Profitability and Sustainability regulations.

The sale of the stadium was included in the accounts for the 2017/18 season.

The stadium was sold to another company registered in the name of chairman Dejphon Chansiri for £60m, leaving a profit of £3.5m for the three-year cycle.

The club say the accounts had been previously ratified by the EFL.

But last month Wednesday were charged with misconduct after the EFL looked into the circumstances of the deal.

It was reported earlier this week that Mr Chansiri, along with finance director John Redgate and the Owls' former chief executive Katrien Meire, had been charged individually and risked being banned from football if found guilty.

The club, if found guilty, could be slapped with a stringent points deduction.

An explosive statement, released this evening, claims the club is ‘bringing its own claim against the EFL to establish that it is acting unlawfully, as well as standing ready, if necessary, to vigorously defend the charges.’

It also said: ‘The Club has reserved all of its rights against the EFL and will take all such actions as are necessary to protect its rights and integrity, and those of its current and former officers, including in relation to inaccurate reporting.’

A spokesperson said the club will make no further statement.