Championship club Sheffield Wednesday have been plunged into further crisis as six players have now handed their notice in, a new report has claimed.
Wednesday were handed a three-window transfer embargo by the EFL last month after owner Dejphon Chansiri again failed to pay salaries in time.
The club also owe money to HMRC, and currently do not have any pre-season friendlies scheduled despite returning to training.
Chansiri released a lengthy statement last week in which he claimed he was willing to sell the club, but has so far rejected two offers.
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The Thai businessman is said to value the club at £100 million, but experts claim that particular figure is wildly unrealistic.
Fans have already begun boycotting certain areas of the club in an attempt to convince Chansiri to sell.
According to The Telegraph, a points deduction to start the season is now seen as 'inevitable'.
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Wednesday released seven players at the end of their contracts on June 30.
They offered star midfielder Barry Bannan a new deal but, given their financial constraints, an agreement has not yet been reached and the Scot is currently a free agent - though the Sheffield Star report there is hope he will be at Hillsborough next season.
But the club is now entering a fresh crisis.
The Telegraph report that six unnamed players have now handed in their notices to leave the club.
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FIFA rules state that a player can hand their notice in if they are not paid their salaries on the correct date in two consecutive months - which was the case in May and June.
Among the players still under contract at Hillsborough include star man Josh Windass, highly-sought-after forward Bailey Cadamarteri and ex-Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah.
According to Sky Sports, Wednesday have written to players and staff to apologise for the non-payment and have 'pledged to fulfil all outstanding payments'.
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Highly-rated manager Danny Rohl is also expected to depart the club in what would be yet another hammer blow.
The German has a compensation clause believed to be worth £5 million if it were to be triggered, but an exit by mutual consent would effectively remove that clause.
SPORTbible have contacted the EFL and Sheffield Wednesday FC for comment.
Topics: Sheffield Wednesday, EFL Championship
Ryan Smart