Member of Parliament for Sheffield Heeley, Louise Haigh, has slammed the ‘irresponsible actions’ of Sheffield Wednesday owner, Dejphon Chansiri.
Wednesday are now in turmoil, with numerous members of the club still paying and the English Football League levying fines against them following an embargo and a three-window fee limitation. This crisis has garnered national headlines, and there are mounting concerns about the club’s future.
Sheffield South East Member of Parliament Clive Betts has been outspoken about the situation, and now Haigh has joined in, citing the Owls as an example of why the Football Governance Bill is so vital.
A statement released on Tuesday evening stated, “Louise Haigh MP and Clive Betts MP have today called on the EFL to hold the owner of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club accountable and cease punishing the fans for the owner’s incompetence… The Football Governance Bill, which has now passed all levels of Parliament and will get Royal Assent, would establish an independent football regulator and create new laws to safeguard clubs and empower fans, so ensuring that clubs remain at the heart of their communities and thrive.
“The irresponsible actions of Mr Chansiri…”
“The Bill will also tackle rogue owners and directors, implement a club licensing regime to help ensure a more consistent approach in how clubs are run, monitor club finances and improve fan engagement throughout the football pyramid – from the Premier League to the National League.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Haigh stated, “The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust has made it clear how unfair the current position is for all Sheffield Wednesday fans. Mr Chansiri is not putting the club or the fans first, as seen by his irresponsible acts and the current state of the club.
“I and other Sheffield MPs have met with the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust several times, and we can see the impact the owner’s current actions are having on the club, players, staff, and fans alike.
“This is why Clive Betts and I have urged on the EFL to take quick action, hold Mr Chansiri accountable, and protect the club from his mismanagement. We will continue to do everything we can to put Sheffield Wednesday back in the hands of a responsible owner, one who understands the club’s history and potential and will help it thrive for future generations.”
Wednesday are now away at St. George’s Park for a preseason training ahead of the 2025/26 season, but there are many questions about what happens next at Hillsborough. Their manager, Danny Röhl, is negotiating to quit the club, players have put in their notices after being paid late – or not at all – for two months, and the club captain is training without a contract. None of this bodes good for the upcoming campaign.
Leave a Reply