According to The Guardian journalist Andy Hunter (15 September), sources close to 777 Partners assert that the group has the finances to complete the takeover of Everton despite rising doubts.
Hunter said for the newspaper’s online version that 777 would not have begun into negotiations with Farhad Moshiri for his 94.1% share in Everton and “would not have made it this far” if they did not have the necessary funds.
Despite the club’s confirmation that the takeover had been accepted, many worries remain about the group’s ability to finance the transfer.
Questions, questions, and more questions
Many Everton fans are relieved to see the back of Moshiri following years of upheaval at Goodison Park.
While the takeover of the club by 777 Partners has been agreed upon with Moshiri, it must still be approved by the Premier League and other governmental regulators.
The financial soundness of the Miami-based company remains in doubt, with UK Government authorities anxious, according to the Daily Mail (30 August), about whether managing director Josh Wander would pass the owners’ and directors’ test.
According to the Guardian, the corporation is also facing charges of unpaid bills and fraud, which are still being litigated across the Atlantic. 777 Partners has categorically disputed these charges.
777 has an entire or controlling stake in numerous football teams, including Genoa and Sevilla. Standard Liege, a Belgian club, has protested the group’s ownership with banners reading “No money, no ambition.”
Brutal criticism, but the source “insists” the consortium has the financial muscle to close the transaction, which may provide some relief to Toffees fans.
Meanwhile, all attention will be focused on the pitch. The Toffees have had a shaky start to the Premier League season, and 777 will be keeping a close eye on things.
In other Everton news, a BBC journalist has suggested that one Toffees loanee restart his career after his “no-brainer” Goodison Park exit.
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