Everton have struck an agreement with American investment group 777 Partners to acquire his controlling stake in the club, but the deal has yet to be completed.
A club owned by the group attempting to buy Everton has reportedly been barred from making transfers due to late payments to clubs.
Owner Farhad Moshiri inked an agreement with 777 Partners earlier this month to sell his majority ownership in the club to the American financial firm. However, the takeover is still ongoing as the Financial Conduct Authority and the Premier League analyze its sustainability.
Other clubs and leagues in which 777 has a stake include Genoa, Standard Liege, Hertha Berlin, Vasco de Gama, and Melbourne Victory, as well as the London Lions basketball team and the British Basketball League. According to Brazilian media, Vasco has been sanctioned with a FIFA transfer embargo due to late payments to clubs.
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According to national broadcaster Globo, Lille, Uruguay’s Nacional, and Argentina’s Atletico Tucuman have filed legal action over unpaid fees for Leo Jardim, Puma Rodriguez, and Manuel Capasso, respectively.
Vasco is said to owe Nacional £1.6 million and Tucuman about £1.23 million, with FIFA stepping in after the team missed a payment deadline. Vasco is currently unable to sign new players due to the transfer restriction.
In the short term, this will not be an issue because the Brazilian transfer window is closed and will not reopen until next summer. While the loans are likely to be paid off by then, the news will cause alarm among Everton fans. Other Premier League clubs have already expressed concern over 777’s purchase of the Toffees.
The worries are supposed to originate from the ambiguity over 777’s funding for their rumored £500 million plan to buy Everton. Owners are claimed to be concerned about the Premier League’s possible reputational damage, given the company is currently involved in various court issues in the United States.
Despite club owners’ worries, they will not be able to vote against the takeover, as the Premier League will make the final decision. It is believed that 777 intends to use its own funds rather than borrow from others.
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