Sheffield Wednesday: James Bord-led consortium pulls out of takeover
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A consortium led by former professional poker player James Bord has withdrawn its £47.8m bid to take over Sheffield Wednesday, citing financial challenges and unresolved documentation issues. The group, which included Felix Romer and Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil, expressed regret for pulling out, stating that the club's historic underinvestment made their offer unsustainable. They had already spent over £4 million supporting the club since being named the preferred bidder in December.
The Owls have been in administration since October 2023, following a decade of ownership by Dejphon Chansiri, who faced criticism for underfunding the club. The team was relegated from the Championship earlier this month, marking the earliest relegation in English football history. Administrators Begbies Traynor had selected the Bord group as preferred bidder after they paid a non-refundable deposit of £2.5m and began funding the club’s monthly losses.
The consortium's exit leaves administrators scrambling to find a new buyer. While other interested parties have re-engaged, including Simon Jordan and David Storch, the financial stakes remain high. The EFL’s insolvency policy requires any new ownership to pay 25p in the pound for creditors; failing this, the club faces a 15-point deduction next season. This penalty could deepen Sheffield Wednesday's already challenging path to recovery.
The situation highlights the fragile state of football clubs operating under financial duress and raises questions about the long-term stability of the sport’s lower tiers. For fans, the delay in finding new owners adds to an already disappointing season, with no immediate resolution in sight. The club remains operational for now, but its future hinges on securing a viable takeover that can restore both financial health and competitive standing.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026