Sheffield Wednesday supporters will be disappointed at new Turki Al-Sheikh takeover reveal | OneFootball

Simon Jordan has confirmed Al-Sheikh's disinterest in the Owls, piling pressure on Chansiri amid growing unrest.

Sheffield Wednesday supporters who have been monitoring Saudi billionaire Turki Al-Sheikh's interest in English football will be left deeply frustrated by Simon Jordan's latest revelations on talkSPORT.

The former Crystal Palace chairman's confirmation that Al-Sheikh has ruled out the Owls due to his preference for southern-based clubs - despite recommendation from Jordan - represents another blow for fans already enduring significant discontent under Dejphon Chansiri's ownership.

Jordan's direct quote - "he doesn't want a club in the North, he wants a club in the South" - effectively closes the door on what many Wednesday supporters had viewed as a potential lifeline from their current predicament.

Turki Al-Sheikh’s takeover rejection comes at the worst time for Sheffield Wednesday

The timing of the revelation feels particularly acute given the mounting pressure on Chansiri's leadership.

The 24/25 season has been marked by persistent financial issues, with unpaid staff and player wages creating uncertainty throughout Hillsborough.

HMRC bills were delayed in October, while the club's Supporters Trust has organised protests demanding change in ownership. Financial instability has left the Owls at risk of transfer embargo for any further late payments.

For supporters who have just watched two consecutive takeover bids from a Florida-based consortium get rejected - the first described as "derisory" - Al-Sheikh's disinterest removes another potential avenue for change.

The Saudi billionaire's estimated £2 billion wealth and proven football ownership experience at UD Almería had represented exactly the kind of financial backing Wednesday desperately need.

Al-Sheikh's credentials extend far beyond football, with his role as Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority positioning him as a key figure in the kingdom's sports expansion.

His influence in bringing major events to Saudi Arabia such as boxing and Formula 1, and his close ties to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman demonstrate the level of resources and ambition that could have transformed Wednesday's fortunes.

Supporter discontent mounts after another ownership setback at Hillsborough

Supporter unrest at Hillsborough has intensified throughout the 24/25 campaign, with fans increasingly vocal about their discontent with Chansiri's stewardship.

Wednesday's financial struggles have created an atmosphere of uncertainty that extends beyond the pitch, affecting everything from player recruitment to day-to-day operations.

In a moment of offseason quiet in which the transfer window is shut and manager Danny Rohl’s future appears to be at an impasse, the narrative void being filled with takeover talk feels increasingly bleak.

Wednesday's exclusion from Al-Sheikh's considerations, while Millwall and Southampton remain viable options, will deepen the sense of isolation felt by supporters who see their club falling further behind competitors both on and off the field.

While Wednesday possess the heritage, fanbase, and some of the infrastructure that should attract serious investors, they find themselves competing against southern clubs that appear to hold inherent advantages in the global marketplace.

This latest development leaves Owls supporters with limited options for change. The Florida consortium's persistence offers faint hope, but their repeated rejections suggest Chansiri remains unmoved by external pressure.

Without significant investment or a change in ownership, the financial pressures and supporter disappointment that have defined recent seasons appear likely to continue.

For fans who have endured years of instability, Al-Sheikh's disinterest represents not just a missed opportunity, but a reminder of how limited their options for meaningful change have become.