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Talk of potential £1bn new Everton buyer played down

| 25/02/2024 48comments  |  Jump to last

Updated Journalist Phlippe Auclair has played down rumours sparked by an article he wrote for Eurosport that appeared to suggest there is a specific investor ready to commit £1bn to Everton should 777 Partners' takeover of the club fail.

Auclair is one arm of an investigative duo completed by Paul Brown who have now written 14 articles for Norwegian digital publication, Josimar, about 777, from their founding to their current financial struggles, and at the bottom of the Eurosport piece is an assertion that there is a new buyer waiting in the wings ready to come in straight away.

Observers like Paul "The Esk" Quinn have always maintained that there are other parties interested in buying out Farhad Moshiri's stake in the club and have been throughout and, as Auclair says in a clarification on Twitter/X, that remains the case.

However, he moved to play down the idea that there is someone poised with £1bn to begin talks with Farhad Moshiri should 777 Partners either pull out or be denied in their attempt to buy the club.

Article continues below video content

"A clarification as regards Everton FC's potential 'other buyer'," Auclair posted. "I fear that my recent Eurosport column about 777 has been partly 'lost in translation' in this respect. I can understand why, given how anxious the club's fans are about the future of an institution they love.

"But I didn't say... what I didn't say. I repeated what Paul Brown and I have already written in our Josimar articles, which is that, yes, another party is interested in the club. That much is true. But their identity or resources I and we cannot and will not extrapolate about."

777 Partners signed an agreement with Moshiri to purchase his 94.1% stake in the Blues back in September last year but, despite internal confidence that the process could be wrapped up by Christmas, the investment group are still waiting for a verdict from the Premier League to find out if they have passed the Owners' and Directors' Test.

No timeline has been given for the decision but it is clear that the League are considering the fitness and ability of 777 to own and continue to fund Everton.

Original Source: Eurosport  


Reader Comments (48)

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Dennis Stevens
1 Posted 25/02/2024 at 15:37:00
Would £1 billion be enough?
Paul Hewitt
2 Posted 25/02/2024 at 15:41:33
Rubbish. Don't believe a word of it.
Brian Williams
3 Posted 25/02/2024 at 15:45:07
Well let's hope the premier league (don't laugh) do the right thing and refuse 777 the go ahead to buy the club.
It's pretty obvious, if even half of what's been reported about them is true, that they're not the owner we need or want.
Kieran Kinsella
4 Posted 25/02/2024 at 15:49:41
I don’t understand why — if this is true —- that despite all their shortcomings, scandals etc we have persisted with 777 rather than calling time on it as we did with that Kenyon consortium a couple of years ago? Or are these other buyers even bigger crooks with even sketchier finances?
Joe McMahon
5 Posted 25/02/2024 at 16:02:04
And to think it's because of the world's greatest Evertonian in history we are in such a pit of shit now, with the entire future of the club at risk. Like many I never trusted him from the first time I heard him speak in the mid 90s.

To think many even applauded at his mush on the big screen.

Dave Williams
6 Posted 25/02/2024 at 16:13:52
Kieron- probably because they are offering more money? Moshiri has shown a lot of good faith towards 777 but it should be dawning on him that it isn't going to work!
Let’s hope- Tony Abrahams has been saying for months that there is a viable alternative out there just waiting for the green light- the time is surely now!
Paul Hewitt
7 Posted 25/02/2024 at 16:47:23
So I was right. It is rubbish
Barry Rathbone
8 Posted 25/02/2024 at 17:33:51
Any savvy multi billionaire will wait for the disaster of 777 to play out. Unless a miracle occurs and 777 fund a return to the promised land irate supporters will chase them in 18 months.

The ensuing fire sale scenario, regardless of the division we're in, will result in a knock down price for an institution with an iconic new stadium.

Luvvly jublly, Rodders.

Brian Williams
9 Posted 25/02/2024 at 17:40:00
Jamie Crowley
10 Posted 25/02/2024 at 17:42:41
Brian Williams @ 3 -

Spot on. If the Premier League is doing what the Premier League is supposed to be doing, that is protecting the member clubs, there should be a point reduction AND 777 should be denied ownership.

If 777 take over Everton, I fear we are doomed. And that's not hyperbole. They are shady, they are a Ponzi scheme, and we will be bankrupt and down two divisions I'd wager if they are allowed to take us over.

777 is frightening.

Tony Abrahams
11 Posted 25/02/2024 at 18:04:55
This news is definitely not a load of rubbish Paul, and my great hope is that because even now, these people are keeping it out of the news, to a great degree, I'm just praying that we are finally going to be getting “sheer minded, bloody professionals”, back inside our football club……please god🤞

I've just watched our neighbours, and as much as it made my stomach churn watching their fans celebrate the goal, I will admit that I was admiring their “sheer bloody minded professionalism”, that allowed them to stay in the game, even before they scored a very late winning goal from a set-piece.

It's not going to be easy, but if we can instill “sheer bloody minded professionalism” into our football club, then I'm convinced that our great supporters, who have been kicked from pillar to post, will do the rest.

That's how I have always understood Everton, and Evertonians, until one of the biggest, phoney bastards, who has ever been connected to our football club, got involved.

Howard Don
12 Posted 25/02/2024 at 19:16:15
777 Partners just have 'disaster' written all over them — even Moshiri must see that now.

Hard to believe there aren't other, better potential buyers out there, hopefully watching the situation closely.

Tony Abrahams
13 Posted 25/02/2024 at 20:35:52
There is a new name being mentioned on the internet with the owner of the New York Yankees, Hal Steinbrenner (even my predictive text got that name) so maybe they are starting to line up now?

We don't want Yanks, we want Arabs, but beggars can't be choosers, I know!!

Kieran Kinsella
14 Posted 25/02/2024 at 20:40:14
Tony,

I remember some years ago some Everton fans contacted Steinbrenner's Dad — the previous Yankees owner — trying to entice him to buy Everton after the owners of his bitter rivals Boston Red Sox bought Liverpool.

I wonder if this rumour has legs or is wishful thinking?

Brian Williams
15 Posted 25/02/2024 at 20:43:43
Hal Steinbrenner. Come on doooown!
Tony Abrahams
16 Posted 25/02/2024 at 20:48:45
Who knows, Kieran, but it does seem that something has got to happen soon because I can't see 777 Partners continuing to plough money into Everton when it's starting to become obvious that they haven't got the credentials to pass the fit and proper ownership test?

The people who I have talked about for so long are still there and have definitely kept it very quiet on the outside, but we will probably learn soon why they have wanted to remain quiet all along, and hopefully it's because they believe Everton Football Club is a bargain, even if we are going to cost around $1.4 Billion

Ian Sephton
17 Posted 25/02/2024 at 21:53:21
Paul #4. It’s not rubbish. I am interested in buying Everton. Whether I have the money to do so is another thing completely! Just depends on how low I can negotiate the price to!!
David McMullen
18 Posted 25/02/2024 at 22:03:08
It's just another kick in the teeth for us desperate blues whilst that clown Masters congratulates another clown.
David Thomas
19 Posted 25/02/2024 at 22:15:54
Tony,

You keep hinting you know something the rest of us don’t about a potential investor.

What’s stopping you telling us what you’ve heard in more detail?

Will Mabon
20 Posted 25/02/2024 at 22:34:21
David,

see how Tony calls them "The people...". It's a smokescreen.

The interested outfit is Abraham's Sports Investors (Europe).

Ben King
21 Posted 25/02/2024 at 22:34:41
What a mess we’ve been in for 20-30 years

Basically the exact tenure of Billy Bullsh1tter

The absolute mess we’re in because of the complete lack of corporate governance is ridiculous and was avoidable. Him and Moshiri have ruined our club and short term + medium term prospects

Stephen Davies
22 Posted 25/02/2024 at 23:49:03
Tony
Is it the NY Yankees Owner by any chance? 😉
Dave Lynch
23 Posted 26/02/2024 at 00:24:38
I've said it before...Moshiri's only crime is believing Billy Bullshits rhetoric and lies.
He was sought out by BB so as the world's greatest Evertonian could remain in charge.
BB wanted accolades and hero worship from the fans, he ran the club like Putin runs Russia, his way or the highway.
When it came on top, not only did he try to throw the fans under the bus, he tried to throw DBB under it as well, claiming he didn't run the club, she did.
Moshiri provided a fortune, BB fucked him and us over for the sake of his own ego.
The man had no moral compass, he was a narcissistic leech who sacked Everton dry for his own benefit.
Derek Knox
24 Posted 26/02/2024 at 04:14:36
I sincerely hope this has credence/credibility, I was one of the many hoping for change after the Kenwright /Moshiri Purgatory period, and through desperation would even have welcomed 777 as opposed to 666, but having more knowledge of them and their recent history of dodgy deals and failings I am certainly volte face.

Please let this have legs, as we as Fans deserve a lot more than the euphemistic ' shit circle ' we have had to endure for thirty years or so. I know Football has changed dramatically, and is centred around ridiculous amounts of money, and we will never get the game as most of us know, and loved back.

James Flynn
25 Posted 26/02/2024 at 04:36:46
Some kid on Twitter/X just made-up the Yankee-Everton connection.

Tony Abrahams
26 Posted 26/02/2024 at 07:19:18
I have nothing to tell, David, other than what I've already disclosed mate.
Danny O’Neill
27 Posted 26/02/2024 at 07:25:02
He has no football background Tony.

He was on the England and Wales board. Oversaw the controversial Saudi take over of Newcastle but can't make a decision on Everton.

Laps up his privileged tickets and has his starstruck moment.

David Thomas
28 Posted 26/02/2024 at 07:53:45
Tony,

Reading your post 16, it appeared that you had some inside knowledge of a particular group who were waiting in the wings to get involved in Everton.

Colin Glassar
29 Posted 26/02/2024 at 08:23:37
Everton will end up being bought by Comedy Central as we've become a joke, a sick joke at that. Kenwright's legacy will live in infamy for eternity.

It would be fun though to have another Steinbrenner at the helm. We'd have a new manager every season but October would come too early for us.

Ray Motta
30 Posted 26/02/2024 at 09:17:26
777 Partners is more complicated than Masters ruling on the takeover. They've ploughed in operational cash-flow loans to keep the ship afloat.

I think the financial debacle at EFC is more thoroughly unsettling than it is all pronounced. Moshiri's ties to Usmanov, former manager's statements in writing who was pulling the strings. Kenwright having a say but really being a mouthpiece.

777 Partners won't get approved as it's clear they are not really an outfit to be trusted. Moshiri doesn't have the money, never did, it was all Usmanov and Putin regime cash…

Points deductions - maybe a reprieve in 1.0, not in 2.0 and, assuming no approval with 777 Partners, there is a likelihood of insolvency, which would mean? Further points deduction, and possibly even additional sanctions.

I'm pointing out that 777 Partners have loaned a lot of cash that, if their takeover is not sanctioned, they are going to call that back in – and Moshiri can't pay.

I'm also pointing out that the mainstream journalists aren't really doing their jobs (as in being journalists) – none of what I'm saying is conspiracy, it's basic dot connection with news that's already out there.

There is no conspiracy of Masters or Liverpool supporters in control of the media… it's simply Everton run appallingly since Carter. Since 1992 I'd say… since we let Colin Harvey go… we've been in a tailspin since then – with the respite of Joe Royle – who wasn't backed either…

I'm managing my expectations here.
I think we are getting relegated this season through points deduction, administration, and a woefully underperforming squad.

The silver lining is Dyche. He speaks plainly, works hard, doesn't get flustered.

Imagine if we didn't have him as a manager…

Bobby Mallon
31 Posted 26/02/2024 at 21:13:33
I just heard that it's the Dallas Cowboys buying us.
Tony Abrahams
32 Posted 26/02/2024 at 21:21:54
The oil tycoon, Jerry Jones, would only have to sell around 15% of the Dallas Cowboys to be able to purchase Everton and rid us of all of our debt, Bobby!
Colin Glassar
33 Posted 27/02/2024 at 08:07:20
The Dallas Cowboys can buy us for a penny as long as they send us their cheerleaders.
Tony Abrahams
34 Posted 27/02/2024 at 08:09:37
Who'd be a cheerleader down at Bramley-Moore Dock in the winter, Colin, but you know what the cold does to certain parts of the body, so those front row seats would be full an hour before kick-off!
Brian Williams
35 Posted 27/02/2024 at 08:34:52
Ray#30

Moshiri doesn't have the money, never did,

if their takeover is not sanctioned, they are going to call that back in – and Moshiri can't pay.

Moshiri's net worth as of 25th of February, so Sunday just gone, was £2.4billion.

So unless he went to Primark on Monday and onto Wetherspoons in town had an absolute blowout, talk of him not being able to pay is errr........ shite!

That figure is from Forbes, by the way, not the fella who does the bins at Finch Farm.

Clive Rogers
36 Posted 27/02/2024 at 09:44:03
Can’t Debbie who did Dallas buy us?
Gordon White
37 Posted 27/02/2024 at 22:08:04
I heard that a group linked to Hal Steinbrenner were given a tour around our new stadium yesterday.
Stephen Davies
38 Posted 27/02/2024 at 22:16:47
If that was the case, you bet someone would have taken a pic and would be all over the internet
Geoff Lambert
39 Posted 28/02/2024 at 09:08:18
Forbes also say Hal Steinbrenner's net worth is only $1.3 billion, so less than half of our current owner.

Next!

Jim Potter
40 Posted 28/02/2024 at 09:19:55
Clive #36, If it was that 'Debbie' from Dallas, it would definitely prove we've been right royally screwed.

777 Partners sound like an under-performing, sub-standard betting company. And given their reputation, ailing portfolio and legal issues – they are.

I think even a Michael Knighton type might be preferable to this bunch of charlatans. They are 100% not what we need.

Given how Moshiri has run the club in such an amateur and foolishly spendthrift manner, with no apparent regard to financial rules, it's a mystery to me how he qualified as an accountant?

Aren't they normally painted as rather dull, studious numbe-crunchers who avoid any form of risk and plan ahead for a seamless financial future? Not our boy.

We got the high adrenaline, coked up, Evel Knievel version of an anti-accountant. "Buy him, my chauffeur's sister's cleaner said he's brill. No, no, no, treble that wage and give him an extra 2 years on that contract. And don't forget, I want Cenk, at any price. I know a winner when I see one!"

And when his shit hit our fan, he's off like the rat he is, selling the perceived sinking ship as quickly as he can, with no regard to our well-being. With no apology for his incompetence. With no shame for his legacy.

If there is a God, surely we've endured our purgatory for long enough? How about a bit of good fortune? Please.

Eric Myles
41 Posted 28/02/2024 at 10:03:37
"777 Partners signed an agreement with Moshiri to purchase his 94.1% stake in the Blues back in September last year."

So why do people, including Paul "The Esk" Quinn, say that there's no exclusivity?

Eric Myles
42 Posted 28/02/2024 at 10:13:52
The interested outfit is Abraham's Sports Investors (Europe).

I've just come into a small inheritance and would be prepared to put money into a fan ownership scheme.

On second thoughts, given the variety of views on TW, we'd be sacking managers after every loss and be in worse shit with a fan board than Chairman Bill's board.

Geoff Lambert
43 Posted 28/02/2024 at 10:14:00
Eric #41,

Is there a time limit on the agreement?

Geoff Lambert
44 Posted 28/02/2024 at 10:18:11
Get a keypad installed on every seat at the new stadium, show live training sessions to the season ticket holders and shareholders.

Let them pick the team and tactics, make substitutions etc. Saves millions on manager's wages and see how long it lasts.

Eric Myles
45 Posted 28/02/2024 at 10:23:19
Aren't they normally painted as rather dull, studious number crunchers who avoid any form of risk and plan ahead for a seemless financial future? (Accountants)

You've obviously never gone out on the piss with one!!! Your coked-up description is nearer the mark.

Steve Shave
46 Posted 06/03/2024 at 13:16:20
It would be just our luck for a viable and wealthy buyer to be in the wings but Moshiri has put his eggs in the basket of a corrupt and dodgy organisation.

Of course, I have no idea if this is true or if said buyer is credible and not a complete shithouse themselves but, my word, do I want shot of Moshiri — what a complete fucking melt he is. How he ever made his money is beyond me, intelligence was clearly not the driving force behind his previous success.

Stephen Davies
47 Posted 06/03/2024 at 14:03:19
Eric #41,

According to a number of reports (including the recent one involving the lawyer who died after the completion of the EFC Sale), the club was sold to 777 Partners in September.

However, I suspect that may well be on condition that the ownership issue is agreed by the Premier League.

Karen Mason
48 Posted 11/03/2024 at 00:14:39
Yes please, Colin at #33,

As long as the Cheerleaders are of the male variety, well toned, tanned and skimpily attired. Preferably all Calvert-Lewin and Gomes lookalikes!!

I'd forego all of the above if we could get a buyer who wasn't an American involved in American football (where they never kick the ball???). Someone who could see the passion and loyalty of our fantastic fanbase, and give us a club, academy and squad we can be proud of!

Yep, I know. Not gonna happen in my lifetime!


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