Sheffield Wednesday plunge into wage chaos ahead of season opener

Just ten days before the long-awaited start of the Championship season, Sheffield Wednesday found themselves in a serious crisis. Several experienced players refused to play in the recent friendly against Burnley, sparking a wave of concern among fans and football pundits. Their decision was due to the lack of wage payments – many of them had not been paid for several months.

This situation not only resonated widely in the sports media but also directly impacted the team's preparations for the new season. Newly hired coach Henrik Pedersen, who had hoped for a smooth transition into his duties, now faces a situation bordering on catastrophe. Currently, he has only a dozen or so players available, making it significantly more difficult to plan a strategy and determine the starting lineup for league matches.

Pedersen, known for his energy and positive attitude, doesn't hide his frustration but tries to keep his cool. "What's happening is not normal. I came here hoping for growth, but for now I have to manage the crisis," he said at a press conference. He also added that he's in intensive talks with the club's board to resolve the outstanding payments.

Sheffield Wednesday fans are also expressing their disappointment. Numerous comments have appeared on social media, calling for greater transparency and financial accountability from the club's owners. "This is disrespectful to the players and fans," one fan wrote on Twitter.

If the situation doesn't improve quickly, Sheffield Wednesday could not only start the season with a weakened squad but also face potential sanctions from the league. The current crisis could prove to be one of the biggest challenges in the club's history.