Sheffield Wednesday owner pays debt after asking fans for support

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has cleared the air regarding his previous plea to the supporters for financial support amid the club’s crippling debt.

The Thai businessman had asked the supporters to contribute to clearing the club’s outstanding debt by raising £2 million, with 20 fans paying £100 each.

However, he has now released a statement confirming that the club’s debt with HMRC has been sorted out, and the registration embargo enforced by the English Football League will be lifted.

Chansiri revealed that he had received overdue funds that allowed him to pay the debt, confirming that the players and staff have also been paid their wages in full.

“There is a big difference between cashflow and cash in the bank,” Chansiri’s statement read (via the club’s official website). 

“Money is moved around in business on a daily basis, and the current financial climate is impacting on cashflow for businesses all around the world. Thankfully, as far as we are concerned, the issue is now resolved.

“When I was asked what would happen if money owed to me was not paid in time, I said if 20,000 fans paid £100 each, it would resolve the issue. 

“I was making the situation totally clear if I did not have the available funds, but ultimately, it did not come to that.”

Wednesday are rooted to the foot of the Championship table following an abysmal start to life in the English second tier.

The Owls picked up their first victory of the season under the leadership of German manager Danny Rohl, beating Rotherham United 2-0.

Chansiri had previously claimed he would pull his funding from the club after being subject to abuse from the fans but has reaffirmed his commitment to the Championship outfit amid their turbulent phase.

“There are no ‘games’ here,” Chansiri added. “This was a serious situation. I understand that some things are hard to hear, and believe me, some things are hard to say. 

“The bottom line is that Sheffield Wednesday means everything to me, and I will always try my best and do my best for our club, today and tomorrow.”