Sheffield Wednesday, one of England's oldest and most storied football clubs, is on the verge of a major transformation as the identities of the consortium set to take over the club have finally been revealed. After weeks of speculation, uncertainty, and a fair share of rumor-mongering, the preferred bidder group stepping forward to rescue the club from administration has confirmed its key players: James Bord, Felix Roemer, and Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil.
The confirmation came on January 6, 2026, from multiple sources, offering much-needed clarity to a fan base desperate for answers about the club’s future. The consortium, described as a privately funded assembly of investors, is led by Bord and Roemer, with Bin Jamil serving as chief executive. The trio brings a blend of technology, analytics, and global football experience to the table, promising a new era of data-driven and responsible stewardship for the Owls.
Let’s break down the individuals behind this high-profile bid. James Bord, the most publicly recognized figure in the group, is a technology entrepreneur with a robust background in fintech, data analytics, machine learning, and sports modelling. Bord is the founder of Short Circuit Science, a sports analytics business that provides advanced modelling and decision support to professional football clubs across Europe. His football credentials are bolstered by his successful takeover of Scottish Championship side Dunfermline in 2025, as well as stakes in Spanish Segunda Division side Cordoba CF and Bulgarian club Septemvri Sofia. Notably, Bord’s consultancy has even extended to Sheffield United, underlining his broad influence in European football.
Bord’s journey to football ownership is as unconventional as it is impressive. He is a former professional poker player who amassed around £3.2 million on the circuit before pivoting to the tech world. His passion for analytics and strategic decision-making, honed at the poker table, now drives his approach to football management. According to a press release, Bord is "a leading technology entrepreneur with a long-standing background in fintech, data analytics, machine learning and sports modelling."
Felix Roemer, Bord’s co-leader in the consortium, is a German-born entrepreneur with a track record in finance technology, gambling, and software industries. Born in 1994, Roemer is described as having a keen interest in analytics, a trait that aligns closely with Bord’s philosophy. He is a shareholder in Short Circuit Science and has worked alongside Bord on various football projects. Roemer’s approach to business is said to be "deeply influenced by a personal philosophy centred around integrity and independence. He values honesty and ethical conduct, striving to make a positive impact while maintaining personal and professional autonomy." This shared passion for analytics and ethical entrepreneurship is expected to be at the heart of their ownership model.
The third key figure is Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil, serving as the consortium’s chief executive. Bin Jamil brings a unique international pedigree to the group: he is a member of the Jordanian royal family, a graduate of both Oxford University and Imperial College London, and the Group CEO of Short Circuit Science. His football credentials are equally impressive—he is a board member at Scottish club Dunfermline and Spanish side Cordoba, and he previously served as CEO of Infinity Sports Ventures, a Bahrain-based sports investment firm. Bin Jamil’s global perspective and experience in sports management are seen as vital assets for Sheffield Wednesday’s future.
The consortium’s vision for the club is clear and ambitious. In a statement provided to The Star and echoed in other outlets, they outlined their philosophy: "The Consortium is a privately funded group of investors led by James Bord and Felix Roemer. The consortium focuses on long-term, responsible investment supported solely by its own capital, with an emphasis on stable governance, operational discipline and data-informed decision-making. It brings together complementary expertise across technology, analytics, and high growth ventures to support sustainable performance in the organisations with which it engages. The consortium supports a long-term sustainable ownership of this historic club and is committed to preserving and enhancing its legacy. It aims to strengthen Sheffield Wednesday to enable the club to regain its position at the pinnacle of the game."
Despite the optimism, the consortium has acknowledged the challenges of the current process. Due to ongoing administrative and regulatory requirements, particularly the EFL’s Owners and Directors Test, the group is unable to provide a running commentary or answer all questions from the press and supporters. They stated, "While we recognise that there will still be many questions to be answered, we are unable to engage fully at this stage or provide a running commentary on the process. We recognise the frustration that this may cause fans of this great football club but hope they understand the limitations placed on the Consortium at this particular point in time."
The group’s commitment is underscored by a significant financial gesture: a £2.5 million non-refundable deposit, which will go toward the club’s running costs during the administration process. This move not only demonstrates their seriousness but also provides immediate relief to the club’s strained finances. Furthermore, their bid is understood to exceed the minimum requirement to creditors under EFL rules, potentially ensuring that the club does not carry a 15-point penalty into next season—a crucial factor for any hopes of a swift return to competitive stability.
Sheffield Wednesday’s current predicament is stark. The club has been in administration since October 24, 2025, following the end of Dejphon Chansiri’s tumultuous ownership. As of this week, the Owls sit bottom of the Championship, with either minus seven or minus nine points depending on the source, and are a staggering 32 points adrift from safety. The 18-point deduction this season has all but confirmed their relegation to League One, a fate that underscores the urgency of a successful takeover and turnaround.
For fans, the announcement brings a mix of hope and lingering anxiety. The club’s rich history—dating back to its founding in 1867—has been marked by both glorious highs and painful lows. The new consortium’s emphasis on analytics, responsible investment, and stable governance offers a modern blueprint for rebuilding. Still, supporters are left waiting for the final green light from the EFL and for more detailed plans to emerge once the takeover is ratified.
As the vetting process continues and the club navigates the final hurdles of administration, all eyes remain fixed on Bord, Roemer, and Bin Jamil. Their vision and resources could be the lifeline Sheffield Wednesday desperately needs, but the journey back to the top of English football will require patience, resilience, and—above all—a united fanbase ready to embrace a new era.
For now, the club’s fate hangs in the balance, but the promise of a fresh start under new, ambitious leadership has injected a much-needed dose of optimism into Hillsborough.
