Sheffield Wednesday could reportedly be facing a 21-point deduction for an aggravated breach of the EFL's spending rules. 

Back in November, the Yorkshire club were charged with misconduct by the EFL in relation to the sale of Hillsborough to their owner Dejphon Chansiri to avoid breaking profitability and sustainability rules.

The Athletic has reported that having been charged with an aggravated breach, Wednesday face a severe punishment.

The report claims that some clubs consider a 21-point deduction as a likely outcome, while others in the game feel the EFL may push for automatic promotion and a points deduction from the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

It is understood that Chansiri and two of the Owl's previous directors could face lengthy bans.

The club responded to the charges in a statement released today, suggesting that they "are themselves unlawful and, without prejudice to that fact, are all denied by the Club and the other Respondents".

In the statement, Wednesday claim that they consulted relevant executive officers of the EFL in connection with the stadium sale, that the deal was authorised, and that they acted in good faith.

The Owls have suggested that they're in possession of "numerous emails, letters and other documents in which the EFL gave authorisation to the transaction, and on which authorisation the Club understood it could rely".

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The Yorkshire club has said it stands ready to bring a claim of its own against the EFL in order to gain compensation for its conduct.

Wednesday had made a strong start to the season on the pitch, with Garry Monk's side just two points outside the play-off places.

It is understood that Derby County's sale of Pride Park is still being investigated and that developments are expected either this week or next week.

The Verdict

This looks very, very bleak for Wednesday and you have to really feel for fans of the club.

A 21-point deduction would leave them bottom of the Championship and eight points adrift of safety–certainly not an unsurmountable gap with a squad of their quality but still a real test.

What is almost guaranteed is that if they're punished, it will likely be the end of Monk's side's promotion push in the 2019/20 campaign.

It's going to be very interesting to see how the situation develops, particularly considering the evidence that Wednesday have eluded to.