EFL implored to help Sheffield Wednesday to avoid yet another points deduction in League One

Troubled Sheffield Wednesday would be set to start next season with further points deduction if an ongoing takeover proceeds in its current form.

The Owls have had one of the most miserable seasons in the history of English league football, claiming just one win from 42 Championship games this season.

Having been docked a total of 18 points for going into administration and breaching staff payment obligations, Sheffield Wednesday sit on minus 4 points with four games left to play.

Potential new Sheffield Wednesday owner wants EFL talks over points deduction

The further 15-point deduction in League One next season would come as a result of the structure of a proposed takeover by Arise Capital Partners.

The American consortium, led by David Storch, was named as the preferred bidder in March after the original preferred bidder, poker player James Bord, pulled out of the running.

EFL rules lay out how much creditors need to be paid when taking a club out of administration. Unsecured creditors would need to receive at least 25p in the pound, otherwise a 15-point deduction applies. That is quite some way above what creditors would expect to receive under the current terms of Wednesday's takeover.

BBC Sport report that Storch's bid, worth £20m, would only represent a payment of 6p in the pound to unsecured creditors - less than a quarter of the league's requirement.

Storch wrote in a statement: "We have now been informed that a 15-point penalty is set to be imposed at the start of next season. We fundamentally disagree with this decision.

"We also requested the opportunity for this matter to be reviewed through independent arbitration - going as far as offering to cover all associated legal costs ourselves in the interest of transparency and fairness. That request has been denied.

"What makes this situation particularly difficult is that it is entirely unique. A significant portion of the club's debt sits with its former owner who has not agreed to write down or restructure that debt.

"We have made repeated attempts, through the administrators, to engage with Mr Chansiri in order to find a constructive resolution. Those requests have gone unanswered."

Storch has however moved to reassure fans that they still intend to press ahead with their takeover.

He added: "We are simply asking to be heard properly, for the circumstances to be fully considered, and for a decision that reflects the reality on the ground - not one that risks further harm to a club facing extraordinary challenges and that has already suffered substantial penalties."