Sheffield United have been deducted two points for the start of their next season in the English Football League for defaulted transfer payments.

The Blades, who currently sit bottom of the Premier League, have been punished by the EFL for sanctions related to the 2022-23 campaign. The EFL say that United “defaulted on a number of payments to other clubs” and those cumulatively were in excess of 500 days.

As well as the straight two-point deduction at the start of their next EFL season, the Blades have also been stumped with a further two points suspended until the end of the same campaign.

A club statement read: “Sheffield United notes today’s statement from the EFL with regards to breaches by the club of regulations 52.2.3 and 52.2.4 in the 2022-23 season.

“It has been agreed that the Blades will commence the next season in which the club is subject to the EFL’s jurisdiction with a two-point deduction. The club’s position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full, on several occasions only days after they were initially due, or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.

“The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question. While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs effected Sheffield United’s financial situation, the club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.”

• The Mirror.