The English Football League (EFL) is investigating allegations that Sheffield United's owner, the American investment group COH Sports, has created a new parent company to avoid paying £35 million owed to the club's former owner, Prince Abdullah.
COH Sports, led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, purchased Sheffield United from Prince Abdullah for approximately £100 million in December 2024. The group paid an initial instalment of around £30 million but is alleged to have been late on a second payment and missed two subsequent instalments due this year. Prince Abdullah's investment vehicle, United World, has issued a winding-up petition in the High Court against COH Sports and has raised concerns with the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator.
In correspondence to the EFL, Prince Abdullah's representatives claim that COH Sports transferred shares from the original purchasing entity, COH Sports Bidco Limited, to a new Delaware-based corporation, 1919 Partners LLC. Sheffield United issued a board update on 22 June confirming that 1919 Partners LLC is now the parent company and sits at the centre of the ownership structure.
The EFL has requested observations from all parties regarding potential breaches of its regulations. 'The EFL notes recent developments involving Sheffield United and has requested observations from the relevant parties in the context of EFL regulations,' a spokesperson said. 'As this process is ongoing, we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time.'
A spokesperson for 1919 Partners LLC denied any connection between the restructuring and the outstanding debt, stating: 'This matter has no impact on the day-to-day operations or financial stability of Sheffield United… The purpose of the restructuring was to create a stronger platform, more efficient and flexible ownership structure that further supports the long-term financial sustainability of Sheffield United.' The spokesperson added that the group would continue to engage transparently with the EFL and the regulator.
