Engagement Panel Resignation Statement

Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust announces its resignation from the Engagement Panel (EP), effective immediately. This decision follows an open democratic vote of our membership, where a majority supported withdrawal from the current arrangement.

History

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust were a vocal critic of the design and structure of the EP from its very beginning. For example, we believe the EP was never established on democratic principles, contrary to the requirements set out in EFL Regulation 128. Additionally, the club has failed to publish a Fan Engagement Plan, another significant breach of EFL requirements. These shortcomings lead us to question whether the current EP ever met the basic standards outlined in the EFL's fan engagement regulations.

Furthermore, effective engagement requires club representatives who are willing to listen, engage in constructive dialogue, and operate in good faith. Regrettably, these conditions do not exist under the current ownership structure at Sheffield Wednesday. We are not alone in reaching this conclusion. Other respected supporter groups, including Armed Forces Owls and North Yorkshire Owls, have also chosen to withdraw from the Engagement Panel, reflecting widespread concerns about its effectiveness.

Present

Other supporters’ groups hold alternative views about the engagement panel, and we accept and respect them. We ask that no abuse and vitriol is directed towards any of the supporters’ groups that decide to stay part of the engagement panel.

Future

Looking forward, we welcome the Football Supporters' Association's ongoing work to develop a new national engagement framework aligned with the recently enacted Football Governance Act. This legislation establishes supporters' legal right to consultation and engagement on key matters, with implementation to be overseen by the new Independent Football Regulator.The Trust is committed to working collaboratively with the FSA and fellow supporter groups to ensure this new framework is implemented effectively at Sheffield Wednesday. We hope this will occur under future ownership that demonstrates a genuine commitment to meaningful supporter dialogue.

We thank our members for their democratic participation in this decision. You can support You can support the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust by joining as a fee-paying member, a donation, or through the purchaseof merchandise.