Sheffield Wednesday arbitration case with EFL still ongoing despite reports

It had been reported that the case had been heard and that proceedings were complete, prompting suggestions that the result of any hearing was imminent.

The hearing comes after Wednesday branded the EFL charge of misconduct issued in November as ‘unlawful’, claiming they had evidence to support the claim that their accounts for the 2017/18 season had been ratified by the authority.

The controversy surrounds the sale of their Hillsborough stadium, a transaction that allowed the club to fall in-line with Profitability and Sustainability regulations.

The stadium was sold to another company registered in the name of chairman Dejphon Chansiri for £60m, allowing the club to stay within a ruling allowing losses over no more than £39m per three-year cycle.

If found guilty of misconduct any EFL sanction will be decided by an Independent Disciplinary Panel, which will be heard only if Wednesday fail in their arbitration claim. Likely sanctions against the club include a points deduction.

An explosive statement, released in December, said 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.’