Dejphon Chansiri has owned Sheffield Wednesday since January 2015, investing approximately £150 million into the club while facing numerous financial and operational challenges. The Thai businessman purchased the club from Milan Mandarić for £37.5 million with ambitious plans to reach the Premier League. His tenure has been marked by initial heavy investment, followed by finnacial difficulties, points deductions, and strained relationships with fans and management..
The ambitious beginning (2015-2017)
When Chansiri acquired Sheffield Wednesday, he boldly declared his intention to reach the Premier League by 2017 to coincide with the club’s 150th anniversary. He immediately opened his checkbook, bringing in several new players and restructuring the club’s management team. A new transfer committee was formed to oversee recruitment.
The initial investment nearly paid off. Sheffield Wednesday reached the Championship playoff final in 2016, only to lose 1-0 to Hull City. The following season saw further financial backing from Chansiri, with the club again reaching the playoffs but falling to Huddersfield Town in the semi-finals.
Financial controversies and relegation
Chansiri’s ownership has been plagued by financial irregularities and controversial decisions. The most notable was the 2019 purchase of Hillsborough Stadium for £61 million in what appeared to be an attempt to circumvent financial regulations.
This transaction ultimately backfired, resulting in a points deduction that contributed to the club’s relegation to League One. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained Chansiri’s finances, both personally and in relation to the club’s stability.
| Key Financial Issues | Impact on Club |
|———————-|—————-|
| £61m Hillsborough purchase (2019) | Points deduction, eventual relegation |
| Delayed HMRC payments | Transfer embargoes (Nov 2023 & Nov 2024) |
| Late player wages (March 2025) | Internal turmoil, staff dissatisfaction |
| Estimated £150m total investment | Limited return on investment |
Recent financial struggles (2023-2025)
The last two years have seen Sheffield Wednesday’s financial situation deteriorate further under Chansiri’s ownership. The club has faced transfer embargoes in both November 2023 and November 2024 due to delayed payments to HMRC. These restrictions have hampered recruitment efforts and frustrated supporters.
In March 2025, the situation worsened when player wages were not paid on time. Chansiri attributed these cash flow problems to difficulties with his other business interests. This incident further damaged his already strained relationship with the club’s fanbase.
Relationship with management and fans
Early 2025 saw tensions escalate between Chansiri and then-manager Danny Röhl regarding transfer strategies and financial support. Though some reconciliation reportedly occurred later, the public disagreement highlighted the chaotic nature of Chansiri’s ownership style.
Fan dissatisfaction has grown steadily throughout Chansiri’s tenure. Supporters have voiced concerns about high ticket prices, perceived mismanagement, and Chansiri’s apparent reluctance to fund the club without external financia l support. Despite owning one of Thailand’s wealthiest families (Thai Union Group), Chansiri’s personal stake in that business is minimal, and he operates Sheffield Wednesday as a separate personal investment.
The current state of affairs
As of May 2025, Chansiri remains Sheffield Wednesday’s owner despite the ongoing financial turbulence. His relationship with supporters continues to be fraught with tension. The club faces an uncertain future as financial instability persists.
Chansiri’s initial dream of Premier League football seems distant now, His ownership has become characterized by financial precariousness rather than the ambitious vision he presented in 2015. The once-promising relationship between the Thai businessman and the historic Sheffield club has devolved into a cautionary tale about the challenges of football ownership.