​The former owners of Sheffield United have filed a winding-up petition against the club’s current owners, COH Sports Bidco Limited, claiming they are owed more than £35 million. In a letter obtained by the BBC, United World, the investment vehicle of Saudi Arabian prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also questioned the validity of last month’s board update, which stated that 1919 Partners LLC was the “parent company of Sheffield United.” COH Sports, an American-based consortium, completed its takeover of the Championship club in December 2024.
In a detailed statement, United World explained that, given the substantial sums it claims to be owed by CSBL (over £35 million, including interest), it had been compelled to file a petition in the High Court to wind up CSBL. The group said it was “very disappointed and alarmed by the recent events” and argued that both United World and the English Football League (EFL) had been seriously misled, jeopardising the long-term stability and viability of the club. The statement added that if the owners of COH Sports Bidco Limited are allowed to gain control of a football club without meeting the price agreed to acquire it, it could undermine confidence among those who wish to invest in football within the EFL framework. United World pledged that, together with its legal team, it would “leave no stone unturned” to prevent or remedy what it described as serious wrongdoing by those who have taken control of the club.
COH Sports is led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, who remain on the club’s board. Following their takeover, they said they wanted to reassure supporters that they understood the heavy responsibilities of owning Sheffield United. In response to United World’s allegations, a spokesperson for 1919 Partners LLC stated that the matter had no impact on the day-to-day operations or financial stability of Sheffield United, which it described as well positioned ahead of the new season. The spokesperson also emphasized that the focus is on winning football matches rather than engaging in politics and reiterated that the restructuring aimed to create a stronger platform, a more efficient and flexible ownership structure, and greater long-term financial sustainability for Sheffield United. The spokesperson also noted that the dispute with the former owner remains unresolved and that they would not comment on private commercial discussions. They added that they would continue to engage constructively and transparently with the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator.
The EFL stated that it had noted the recent developments involving Sheffield United and had requested observations from the relevant parties in line with EFL Regulations. As the process is ongoing, the EFL said it was not in a position to comment further while monitoring the situation.