On Monday, United World issued a statement in which it claimed the creation of 1919 Partners LLC was “an attempt to avoid paying CSBL’s creditors”.
It added that since the winding-up order was issued no offer has been made to settle the debt and that Rosen and Eltoukhy are “trying to take the club without paying for it”.
Sources close to the Sheffield United ownership then issued a statement which did not directly address the accusations.
“We are disappointed Prince Abdullah is trying to hurt the club and its supporters with publicity stunts,” it read.
“The deal between sophisticated parties in 2024 was well-advised by his financial advisors.
“Sheffield United is financially healthy, unlike under Prince Abdullah when the club incurred a points deduction for missing payments to football creditors.
“Nonetheless, Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen invited Abdullah to reinvest in the club and join the ownership of Sheffield United and to help use his skills to support our promotion efforts.
“Helmy and Steve are focused on the sustainability of the club and the season ahead.”
United World responded on Tuesday, adding in a statement that “sophisticated and well-advised parties pay the price they agreed”.
“An offer of shares in the company that was sold, instead of the money owed for it, was not part of the agreed deal and is not payment,” it added.
“If Sheffield United is as financially healthy as its owners claim, and the owners themselves have the means they are widely reported to have, then the money can be paid.
“Paying it would answer all questions about the club’s situation at once. Instead, the owners are running a club they have not paid for and the club’s financial health, such as it is, is the result of the owners’ scheme to avoid paying for the club.”
Neither the EFL nor the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has commented on the share transfer to 1919 Partners LLC.
When approached by the BBC, the IFR confirmed it was in contact to gain more information about the events.
“We are aware of the winding-up petition in relation to COH Sports Bidco,” the IFR said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are engaging with the club and relevant organisations on this issue, but we cannot comment further at this stage.”
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