While fans’ anger is primarily directed at Chansiri, some are frustrated the club has not been protected from one man’s decision-making by the English Football League (EFL), whose owners’ and directors’ test Chansiri passed in 2015.
“What we’ve seen from the EFL is nothing,” says fan Ryan Goodison. “And we’re not alone in that. Look at what has happened at Morecambe.
“I think Chansiri would rather see no Sheffield Wednesday than Sheffield Wednesday without him, and I don’t know what the EFL can and can’t do because obviously it’s a private business. But if there is nothing they can do, then what is the point?
“I’m 40 and been coming to Hillsborough since I was five. For that to suddenly be possibly taken away is awful.”
The EFL’s measures for assessing potential owners’ credibility have been amended since Chansiri bought Sheffield Wednesday, but are based on whether individuals are able to provide proof of funds at the point of purchase, rather than whether owners can continue to fund their clubs throughout their tenure.
The incoming Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will have the power to potentially revoke operating licenses from club owners during their tenure in some circumstances.
This summer, Chansiri claimed he had turned down two potential bids for the club worth £30m and £40m.
Fans who spoke to the BBC said they believe the 57-year-old’s valuation of the club is too high, and insisted they will protest against him inside and away from stadiums for the foreseeable future.
Supporters are planning to demonstrate their disapproval by only entering the away end at Leicester City for Sunday’s opening fixture once the first five minutes have passed.
