Usmanov ponders greater involvement at Everton

Friday, 3 January, 2020 171comments  |  Jump to most recent

Billionaire businessman Alisher Usmanov says that he is considering increasing his investment in Everton, including the possibility of buying naming rights in the club's new stadium.

The Uzbek-born tycoon is a long-time friend and business partner of the Blues' majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, and the pair held a joint 30% stake in Arsenal until the latter sold his shares to Usmanov to facilitate his investment in Everton in 2016.

Usmanov himself, whose personal fortune is estimated to be around £10bn, sold his own stake in the Gunners after it became clear that the London club's owner, Stan Kroenke, had no interest in letting him onto the Board of Directors at the Emirates.

Usmanov said in an interview with the Financial Times last month that he would think seriously about increasing his exposure at Everton beyond the current sponsorship deals with USM Holdings and Megafon if Moshiri wants him on board.

“Yes. With great pleasure, if he asks,” he said. “I am thinking about my investment in this club...

"I cannot reject Arsenal. I will not leave them as a fan. But if I join Everton, then I will wear an Everton shirt, because I am a professional.

“They are going to build a new stadium. Why not the USM Arena? It is not obligatory for me to participate myself. I could just sponsor them.”

 

Reader Comments (171)

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Paul Hughes
1 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:52:26
Least surprising bit of news in the whole Ancelotti saga. £11M a year is small change to him. The USM Arena? Suits me.
Tony Waring
3 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:53:12
Sky's the limit then !
Victor Johnson
4 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:56:57
That’s a given then. Why go public otherwise?
Ben Howard
5 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:58:02
I’m all for Baron Greenback assisting Penfold.
Brian Williams
6 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:00:12
Paul#1.
Paul where does the £11m a year figure come from, or is that just a guestimate?
Paul A Smith
7 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:00:48
Bite his hand off.
Victor Johnson
8 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:00:55
Maybe he’ll invite his old mate Vladimir to the grand opening...
Paul A Smith
9 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:08:45
You can see some genuine excitement in Usmanov Ancellotti and Mino Slyola coming together.

I want us to be horrible and push past some of these stuttering giants who get favours left right and centre because of status.

Shaun McGough
10 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:12:51
Can you increase your exposure by about a billion please and we will let you call the stadium Goodusmanov Park.
Mike Gaynes
11 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:14:00
Alisher in Wonderland!
Mark Brennnan
12 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:14:38
Hoping this isn't true. I'd much prefer the council money being used and them red twats having a coronary over it.

UTFT

Ralph Basnett
13 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:16:01
Shaun, love the name and if their was a competition for best name you would win it hands down.
Dale Rose
14 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:18:26
Welcome the man with open arms.
Si Pulford
15 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:22:29
Not really telling us anything we didn’t already know. Can’t wait for the fume when we get round FFP by sponsoring ball boys and toffee ladies and selling naming rights to the car park.
Steve Ferns
16 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:24:29
You've been saving that, haven't you Mike, be honest.
Si Pulford
17 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:25:35
The guy's minted, it's true, but that doesn't mean he's willing to bank-roll like Abramovic or the guys at Man City.

Feels like he thinks the timing is right to go public. There seems little doubt that he was pivotal to getting Ancelotti on board.

And why get a world class manager and stadium with an average squad? And would Ancelotti sign without assurances? It's very interesting to see what happens over the next few months. I would love to see us upset the apple cart.

John P McFarlane
18 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:25:42
My favourite reaction to this on twitter is :"Let’s not get carried away...but what number do you think Mbappe will be?

Obviously, Usmanov can't be already involved in the running of the club else he would have asked the FT to run this story on Monday after the derby - wouldn't he?

We have to hope that some of his money arrives into Everton directly or indirectly it's probably the only way we will ever see our beloved club compete properly in the Premier League.

Paul Hughes
19 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:28:13
Brian (6). £11M is the rumoured salary of Ancelotti.
Dennis Stevens
20 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:32:59
If the new stadium is to be called the USM Arena, is that bit of water next to the stadium going to be called the USM Arena Marina?
Peter Neilson
21 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:35:54
I've read £9M basic salary plus £2.5M if we avoid the drop and other sites reporting £11M basic. However, Moshiri gave an interview on TalkSport where he disputed the amount and its been reported elsewhere that the four and a half year deal is worth €6M per year, though that figure includes his staff's wages, with the entirety of the contract worth €27M. This is closer to what Carlo was reportedly earning at Napoli.
Mike Gaynes
22 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:40:53
Pure ad lib, Steve.
Richard Lyons
23 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:44:51
And, Dennis @20, perhaps the toilets will be the USM Urina...

(Me coat’s on the way...)

Paul A Smith
24 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:47:36
Leave your coat hanging, Richard, that's a classic.

Someone needs to do the Alice in Wonderland poster as Alisher in Bramley-Moore Dock next.

If it doesn't happen, at least we had a laugh.

Si @15 that's another classic. I love that creative thought.

Keith Harrison
25 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:51:08
The USM FTRS Royal Blue Mersey Stadium. Just trips off the tongue.
Jimmy Hogan
26 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:51:17
As long as it doesn't become Alisher in Poundland.
Martin Berry
27 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:51:29
No surprise, the way he and Farhad work will be carefully planned and private. And I always thought USM would be pivotal in the stadium funding.

I am sure this man, once he gets the "feel" for Everton like Farhad has, the rest will fall into place. It's comforting that the rooting down the back of Bill's sofa for some transfer money is a thing of the past.

Keith Harrison
28 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:54:20
The £11M (might even be Euros?) is for Carlo and all his staff according to my sources.
John Zapa
29 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:01:03
Interesting timing of this article, just before the club announce record losses of around £100m.

Coincidence???

Jerome Shields
30 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:06:28
The days of Kenwright and Co seem to be numbered. Bill will get a golden handshake for his remaining shares.
Jamie Crowley
31 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:06:28
Colin Glasstrodomus is back!

He called this a few weeks ago on another thread. Quite helpful to those of us not privy to local rumors.

Fasten your seat belts. The Giant is awaking from his slumber.

Ray Roche
32 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:08:29
Keith, beat me to it. For Carlo and his coaching staff is what I read.
Paul A Smith
33 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:09:07
Jimmy 26 I couldn't see that mate he looks for the big time as fas as I can see.
Jamie Crowley
34 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:10:12
John McFarlane:

My favourite reaction to this on twitter is :"Let’s not get carried away...but what number do you think Mbappe will be?

Absolutely hilarious.

Duncan McDine
35 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:12:28
I knew his half Japanese sister Suki UsMenOv... she didn’t talk much... it was more of a mumble. Anyway, this ‘news’ is the worst kept secret in football - let’s hope all this money can translate into finally winning something.
Frank Crewe
36 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:14:43
A billion or two would come in really handy right now.
Steve Brown
37 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:15:15
Know that Trump planned to start WW3 to prevent Liverpool winning the league - extreme but necessary. But given this news I think he should pause. COYBs.
Jamie Crowley
38 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:15:16
"...this ‘news’ is the worst kept secret in football..."


And I'm the least informed fan in the world then. Rumors that I put zero credence in until Colin Glassar said it was floating around over there.

News to this naive Yank!

Jamie Crowley
39 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:16:22
Steve - shhhhh. Piss him off and he'll guide a missile through your front door!
chris williams
40 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:17:38
There were certainly reports that Usmanov was involved in the meetings with Ancelotti prior to his appointment. Given this FT article, perhaps they were accurate.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several weeks.

Didn’t Little Miss Dynamite say they wouldn’t reveal the details of the financing until the planning permission process was complete?

Gerry Quinn
41 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:17:45
Get in there - I soooooooo hope Usmanov is to become a "born again" Evertonian! His value is estimated at $13 Billion - can you just imagine his $800 million yacht "Dilbar" laying alongside the new Stadium and taking over from the Royal Iris piss-up cruise (and get this - that yacht is estimated at $50 million a year to run!)
Robert Tressell
42 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:17:54
Does this mean we would be able to spend big? Without FFP difficulties?
Paul A Smith
43 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:21:17
Comical this thread. At last we have some news that makes us feel like we can move forward properly and everyone seems in good spirit.

Steve Brown I love that Trump one, makes me wish I was prime minister that post. I'd have a plan or 2 myself.

Jamie it has been well predicted by many for ages. Almost obvious to be honest.

Robert we will always have to flirt around FFP but the more we raise the more we can spend. Further investment usually leads to better spends but it has to be wise spending.

Tony Everan
44 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:23:20
Let's not beat about the bush, Alisher Usmanov's on board. He was central to Ancelotti coming and now taking another step with regards sponsorships. All this proof of future reveune streams will help us get the best finance package possible. Good news for the club.
Mike Gaynes
45 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:24:29
Gerry #41, and there are a bunch of guys on Usmanov's future payroll who currently have lots of free time and could be put to work as crew on that yacht -- Tarashaj, Sandro, Cuco, Besic, Garbutt ....
Martin Nicholls
46 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:25:47
Keith#28 - intriguing choice of words. Assuming your "sources" to be more reliable than those available to the rest of us, have you any reliable knowledge as to who our January transfer target(s) are?
John Raftery
47 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:32:40
The new stadium? It will never happen! Oh yes it will!
Stephen Brown
48 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:37:00
Am I brave enough to dream yet ?

So many let downs over the years have scared us but this is happening?!

I’m in the camp that I doubt Ancellotti comes without Usmanov!!

This could be really happening?!

Ray Roche
49 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:44:08
Martin@46

I said earlier that I had also read in one of the heavyweight papers that Carlo was on £11m for himself and his staff, not just Carlo, but, of course, the Red Tops like to sensationalise everything so went for the headline catching ''Carlo on £11m a year'' crap.

Kenny Smith
51 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:53:06
Even if he buys the naming rights for some ridiculous fee then that would offset any FFP.
As long as he doesn’t become a co owner then we can use his cash as he won’t have a stake in the club so ok to speak.
Gavin Johnson
52 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:57:40
At the moment we're confined by financial fair play. We've increased our sponsorship revenue to 7th in the league, but we need to increase it significantly to allow Moshiri to spend more than he has been doing. At the moment he's confined. Usmanov's USM would need to invest heavily in the naming rights for us to start buying elite players for the kind of sums we've seen at clubs like United and City.
John P McFarlane
53 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:02:24
The Echo doesn't seem to believe that Usmanov will become a part owner in the club, however, he may partly fund the stadium, via naming rights. The article also refutes the claims that Usmanov was involved in bringing Carlo to the club: It has also been claimed that Usmanov 'brokered' a deal to bring Carlo Ancelotti to Goodison as manager but the ECHO has been told that the pair met only in a social setting – thought to be in Bavaria, Germany - and that the world's eighth richest man was not involved in the decision-making process that secured the Italian as Marco Silva's replacement.

Usmanov

Paul A Smith
54 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:13:55
That is a favour from the Echo though John. The club has already been looked at in respect to Moshiri and Usmanov. The last thing we want is links to breaking any rules.

The club will have poured cold water on the links to any done deal until he is formally a part of the club and The Echo have to take their word for it.

Thankfully there aren't many investigative journalists anymore and certainly none at The Echo.

Chris Leyland
55 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:17:16
“He’s fat, he’s round, he’s paying for our ground Usmanov, Usmanov”
Colin Glassar
56 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:19:57
Start to dream lads. Now we can begin to take our city back from the Norwegians across the park.

Ever since Merson said, “oh boy, this ain’t good” when sky announced the Moshiri takeover it’s only been a question of time before Usmanov takes his place at the table. To be honest I thought this would happen earlier but, better late then never! COYB!!!

Colin Glassar
57 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:24:02
Mike, Chris, take a bow gents. John P, don’t believe everything you read in the Red Echo. They’ve been pouring cold water on the Usmanov link since day one.
Mike Benjamin
58 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:25:25
His involvement has been in the background ever since Moshiri bought his initial share. An influence on the stadium build is definitely on the cards, even if it is as guarantee of funding. The blues are on the UP at last.
Keith Harrison
59 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:35:21
Martin 46, my source is a regular poster on here with a some one slightly in the know to be honest.

I've been tipping Usmanov (more in hope than knowledge) for the last 2 years. I think they've kept their powder dry until the Stadium was set to go. Hopefully!!

I also believe that shower of will get their comeuppance on Sunday at Carlo's hands!"!

COYB

Dave Abrahams
60 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:37:48
Moshiri has always been the messenger, sent ahead to sort things out until the boss was ready to start, even from the sidelines, where he still may stay, while his money makes Everton move steadily upwards, a bit like Sir John Moores, only with bigger pockets but just as ruthless.
chris williams
61 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:41:54
Dave, I’m just reading a book about Everton in the 60s called Money Can’t Buy us Love. It is very good about Moores and his relationship with Catterick. Ruthless doesn’t begin to describe it.
John Pierce
62 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:47:19
Big clubs flout FFP, so far the sanctions have been pretty weak, so no reason not to break them if we really have ambition.
Dave Abrahams
63 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:53:48
Chris (61) Sir John, as he was called by most people who worked for him was feared by all of them but more importantly he was respected but them as well, they all knew if they earned their wages they would be treated fairly by him, even Harry Catterick knew his place when John Moores was around, and Harry produced that same fear but respect at Goodison Park and more so at Bellefield, the training ground.
Duncan McDine
64 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:58:19
Jamie, I can’t imagine the ownership of little old Everton is headline news in the US, so here’s a link to a very interesting / worrying investigation by bbc (Tony Marsh’s fave) program Panorama from a couple of years ago: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-41878954
John McGimpsey
65 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:14:49
When Alisher's (first name terms) super yacht moors at the ground it will be comical when that viking boat used in pictures to take the piss out of the shite sails alongside.
Mike Benjamin
66 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:16:56
Duncan 64. And no follow on from that programme. The BBC, a red shite loving entity with no agenda! File under bullshit.
Derek Taylor
67 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:44:31
Watching Rugby League on Sky last summer when a Saint committed ABH on a Rhino. Could hardly believe my ears when over came an announcement 'Sin Bib sponsored by Leeds SkIp Hire' !
Gotta be worth Usmanov's millions when the concept spreads to EPL !
Brian Cleveland
68 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:56:16
Chris 55 😂
John Pickles
69 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:01:55
Alisher, red doesn’t suit you, blue will make you look much more dapper. Can’t wait to welcome the Dark Side, In a few years, to the Battle of Bramleygrad.
Peter Mills
70 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:04:38
Is there anyone on here who can explain, in very simple terms, how an individual could introduce very large sums of money into Everton FC whilst still keeping the club within FFP regulations?

This is a genuine question. Thank you.

Tony Abrahams
71 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:04:41
That’s the style Mark B@12, all these government cuts have put the council on the floor, but they are that fucking bitter, they prefer our council being skint!
Duncan McDine
72 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:11:56
By the way - sorry this is going way off the original topic, but I was chatting to an ex premier league referee at the driving range today... I wouldn’t say we’re mates, but I try to get as many stories as possible out of him when I ‘bump’ into him at the golf course! He was talking a lot about the recently disgraced ref Bobby Madley before I leaned to conversation towards Everton. Since being retired from being the ‘bastard in the black’, he now makes his money organising training camps for various clubs. Bournemouth are one of several clubs to regularly use his services, and he’s recently been trying to setup Everton with a trip to Dubai during the February winter break. While talking to Blue Bill on several occasions he was quizzed at length about Eddie Howe and his methods. So much so, that he was convinced we had Howe earmarked as the replacement to Silva. It seems quite a shock for even those in the football world that we landed Ancelotti - only time will tell if it pays off.
Keith Harrison
73 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:19:57
Hi Peter. Happy New Year mate. I think if the money is sponsorship, like for ground naming rights, it would count as income. City and the Etihad a prime example. I think your expenditure has to be within a certain % of your income, and thats a way 'round' it.

Poor explanation from a finance person, but I stand to be corrected/enhanced upon.

Mind you, the penalties in football pale into insignificance when you see what happened to Saracens in the RU Premiership.

Rob Halligan
74 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:22:27
I've heard a strong rumour that Carlo will have £400M to spend on transfers. Seems an awful lot, but I suppose if it's Usmanov forking up the money, and he was involved in persuading Carlo to join us, then maybe it's not such a ridiculous amount after all.

A mere drop in the ocean for Usmanov!!

Darren Hind
75 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:23:30
Me too peter@70
Keith Harrison
76 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:24:34
Dazzler. Glen Keith, mate. Recommended.
Keith Harrison
77 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:26:10
Rob, you haven't changed your name from Halligan to Hallisher have you?
You're the only person I know with that amiunt of loose change and a yacht😎😎😎
Si Pulford
78 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:26:44
Peter Mills. I’m no financial expert (although Moshiri apparently is ) but I’d have thought that sponsorship deals would be the most logical. Remember when the Abu Dhabi group sponsored the etihad and John Henry quipped is wonder what the second highest bid was...?’
What’s to stop USM tripling the highest existing sponsorship deal for naming rights if they want? What’s to stop them sponsoring the training bibs or the socks?

It’s not up to us to work out how creative they can be but I’m sure they can be pretty creative and have been moving money about using caveats for decades.

Also, the precedent is a fine for the first time breaking the rule over a season. I’m pretty sure they’ll be aware of that and happy to pay. Worst case scenario of a European ban hasn’t been handed out to anyone yet as far as I’m aware.

Darren Hind
79 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:30:00
Sorry Keith

I didnt see your response before I posted.

Glen Keith noted

Keith Harrison
80 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:32:35
No problem Darren. Have you checked Out Kaleb McKane yet, "TalkTo God"? Stunning mate.

I feel we'll do them on Sunday, really do.

Colin Glassar
81 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:33:12
Who cares about FFP? We need to build a title winning squad first, then we can worry about uefa and their unfair rules.
Keith Harrison
82 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:36:49
Rob is donating £400 mill, Colin.

Wish list please!

Keith Harrison
83 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:39:19
Some of mine:

Donnarumma
Koulibaly
Rabiot
Werner

Just the spine for a start. @ £200 mill.

Rob Halligan
84 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:40:20
Just send me the details keith, and I'll sign the cheques!
Simon Harrison
85 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:41:09
I wonder if this is the time that Bill hears the following words, "Good night, thank you and good luck. Good bye"

I hope so, not because I dislike him, but simply because he has and is holding the club back.

If true, welcome to the Blue Side Mr. Usmanov

Tony Hill
86 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:01
Keith @80, Klopp is going to play his second team but who cares? We want to win the FA Cup and beating them might start the rot for the "invincibles". I've agreed on another thread that we should release our poisonous hatred of the RS. But not just yet.
Keith Harrison
87 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:11
As above, Rob. Oh and about £85 million for Raiola.
Unless Carlo knows some wiseguys to paint his house!!
Keith Harrison
88 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:11
As above, Rob. Oh and about £85 million for Raiola.
Unless Carlo knows some wiseguys to paint his house!!
Colin Glassar
89 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:56
Koulibaly, Varane, Maddison, Doucoure, M’bappe and Messi for starters, Keith.
Mike Gaynes
90 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:44:52
To heck with Messi. Can't head a ball worth a shit.

Rob, thanks for the financing. We'll name the new stadium for the cat.

Keith Harrison
91 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:45:17
Tony, 86. I gaven't released the hatred (alwayd hated them), I just sincerely feel we will beat them. I backed us 2-1 at Newcastle, and 2-2 at City. (Moise snatched at his equaliser)

Another 2 -1 to us.

Thomas Lennon
92 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:45:46
This is informative on FFP https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.ft.com/content/790e0b66-4bf3-11e9-8b7f-d49067e0f50d

Also hints why Usmanov limiting activity to sponsorship has benefits for circumventing FFP to some extent.

The catch is what UEFA fair play panel consider a ' fair value' for sponsorship. City are still arguing over this I think.

Bill Watson
93 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:47:32
USM naming rights for the new stadium has always been on the cards since the £40m Finch Farm deal.

But we need to take up the council offer, too, to really piss off the RS.

Peter Mills
94 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:47:47
Keith#73, happy new year to you too, my friend, but I was hoping for a bit more from a money man, a subject I really struggle to comprehend.

I understand how sponsorship might work to our benefit, but do recall that City were investigated. I suspect their backers had some very, very good advisors.

However, this is Everton. As in “if something can go wrong, it will”. And let’s be in doubt, there will be some rivals, some very dark forces, at work to try and thwart a newly moneyed club in the Premier League.

I would sleep more easily if I could see a wealthy future without fear of retribution.

Rob Halligan
95 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:48:01
The Roomanov Stadium, Mike. Sounds a goodun!
Keith Harrison
96 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:48:40
9-1 on Paddy Power. The shite evens for the win. 😃😃😃😃
Keith Harrison
97 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:52:42
Don't need Messi, Colin. Play Pickford outside, wand of a left foot! Donnarumma in hoal.
Colin Glassar
98 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:54:32
Ok Keith, let’s get Sadio Mane from the rs. That would annoy them.
Keith Harrison
99 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:56:09
And put him in the u23's with his mate Niasse.
Rob Halligan
100 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:57:24
Just buy Analfield, and blow the place up!
Anthony A Hughes
101 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:57:43
FFP is such a misnomer. There's nothing fair about stopping up and coming clubs from getting a place at the exclusive top table by limiting spending. If said club has the funds then they should be allowed a shot at glory
Brian Wilkinson
102 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:59:39
I was a little off the other week with my assumption, but I did think that if we get the go ahead after the planning application, that Usmanov would come on aboard in some part.

Just suprised it has come out before we get the decision with our new ground submission.

Think we are going to need a bigger stadium.

Keith Harrison
103 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:03:22
Rob, buy it back and continue its use as the worlds largest public toilets.
Laurie Hartley
104 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:08:36
Here is a link to the Financial Times article.

Link

No doubt planning approval will be announced shortly.

There will be moans and groans heard coming from the vicinity of Mordor.

Christy Ring
105 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:09:36
Would be massive to replace Bill with someone who'd make us one of the richest clubs in the world, and what would Merson say about us not been able to afford to buy big under Ancelotti!
Brian Wilkinson
106 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:21:46
Not to sure how the ffp works, but I am guessing rather than come on board, his sponsorship will offset the ffp rules to allow us to compete with other clubs that have found a way round ffp.

Need some poster with ffp knowledge to let us all know the ins and outs.

Andy Crooks
107 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:23:47
Chris @ 55. Cracker.
Gavin Johnson
108 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:29:55
We don't Usmanov to become part-owner...Well not officially. We'll be breaking financial fair play rules if the owners company pays over the odds on naming rights, sponsorship etc. If an outside company (USM) pays over the odds for naming rights or involvement in building the stadium we should be able to get around the ridiculous rules that only keep the status quo instead of doing what they were meant to do and keep a level playing field.
Graham Coldron
109 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:33:55
All this positivity is heady stuff and will really crank up when ( please let it happen) a few stella players start rocking up at Finch Farm with the Sky cameras flashing with a disbelieving Merson shaking his head.

Colin Glassar
110 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:36:18
Can Usmanov play in MF? That’s the question that needs answered.
John McGimpsey
111 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:43:54
Does anyone know if "The Esk" has topped himself yet ;)
Pat Kelly
112 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:47:50
Everton the Proletariat's Club.
Mike Gaynes
113 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:57:57
Don't know, Colin, but I can tell you one place he isn't playing anymore.

ARSENAL.

Paul A Smith
114 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:22:09
Colin, judging by the interview its up front and also defensive so he could be a utility player?
Keith Harrison
115 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:32:28
Chris 55. Very funny, great crack for the pub, but I hope USM doesn't read ToffeeWeb (at least until he's handed the cash over!!).

Come to think of it, he might be round. Is that someone at your door? lol.

Don Alexander
116 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:34:12
If we're all going mental why not have the River Usmanov and the Usmanov Ship Canal? Even MOTD would have to take note of that.
Keith Harrison
117 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:34:48
Should we do the 'LOADSAMONEEEE' at the Redshite fans on Sunday?

Rob Halligan could lend all the Everton supporters a grand to wave at them a la Harry Enfield!!

Keith Harrison
118 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:36:23
The river Usmanersey?

And we'll line up the Kopites one by one on the banks of the Usmanersey!!

chris williams
119 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:43:44
Dave@63,

I worked for John Moores for many years, and I can assure you he was not universally respected. He prompted fear in many people rather than respect. I personally, didn’t care much either way, but it’s a myth that he was liked or respected universally. It’s great to be demanding and have high standards, but a bit of humanity goes a long way.

The book I refer to is interesting. I haven’t finished it yet, but it has an ambivalence about his impact. The money and the players were great, as was the ambition and success.I was 11 when Tommy Ring, Royston, Gabriel, Lill etc were signed, and I couldn’t believe it. Like an explosion of colour after monochrome pictures.

But as a club we were not respected or liked. It was felt the ambition made for pretty mean spirited behaviour. There may be many reasons for the lack of affection. London press, shitty tabloid reporters, the way Football was in those days etc.

The real star was Catterick, who had to manage that relationship. Moores was an instinctive firer of people, but Harry was able to satisfy him.

It is interesting how Harry’s behaviour changed when Moores stepped down as Chairman, and nurtured young players through 1967 and beyond, showing a lot more patience than earlier in the decade. The Happy Convict Years!

It is also interesting about how widespread match fixing was in the early sixties, well documented, and how Tony Kay was actually made an example of to deter others.

As I say, I’ve not finished it yet, but it is very thought provoking and very worth a read. Written by Gavin Buckland.

Despite all that I prefer to remember the explosion of colour when I was 11!

Drew O'Neall
120 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:45:52
Wonder if Paul Pogba is on his way.. the window United became Everton’s feeder club
Keith Harrison
121 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:54:00
Don't let him anywhere near our club, Drew. Bad News!
John Boon
122 Posted 03/01/2020 at 23:06:27
KEITH (121)... Could you elaborate a bit more. I despise what football has become, basically "MONEYBALL". However I also realise that it may be a case of "If you can't beat them join them." I could be selling my Everton soul, but if his Rubles can be our way forward then to quote one very rich Scouser," Let it be, Let it be"

I personally don't know anything about the man other than he is fat and rich. I also don't mind rich people or fat ones if they help my team.

Keith Harrison
123 Posted 03/01/2020 at 23:16:10
John, re-read the post please. I am saying to Drew, the post before, don't let POGBA near our club!!!

Usmanov, ffs, open arms mate.

Bill Watson
124 Posted 03/01/2020 at 00:12:01
As several have already indicated, any naming rights deal would stand up better to any scrutiny if the company had no direct links with the ownership of the club.

If Usmanov is, indeed, considering buying in it's interesting that the AGM is on the 14th.

Les Murray
125 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:16:35
Always on the cards but suspect it will be slowly slowly
Derek Thomas
126 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:21:52
So the worst kept secret is now acknowledged, in the FT as well - as the slogan went...No FT, no comment.

Planning Permission has gone in. Maybe the moneymen needed a bit more for Moshiri, than...did I mention Usmanov.?

I'd like to see him in the stands as well though.

Julian Exshaw
127 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:34:01
I know this is the way football is going but I hate it. One day it will implode. Football used to be the game of the common man but it has become a toy for the mega rich. Are we at Everton selling our soul now, too? We want to sell our naming rights?? To what? A betting company? Coca Cola? KFC? It's obscene but they say it's the future. No thanks.
Tom Dodds
128 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:36:00
Well there yer go.

And I told yer so...

USM Bramley-Moore Stadium, (New) home of Everton F.C
Aaaaand Dilbaaar !!!!


John Boon
129 Posted 04/01/2020 at 01:08:43
Hi Keith 123. My apologies. I did read back and realise what I had done > We are on the same line. I also would not want Pogba near our team. He is a good player whose emotions and antics blow with the wind. Mind you I don't think he would come. Far too big an ego.
Alexander Murphy
130 Posted 04/01/2020 at 01:16:18
Bingo !
Steve Brown
131 Posted 04/01/2020 at 03:06:23
If Usmanov does want to buy into the company and invest heavily, he should buy VAR off Liverpool.
Steve Brown
132 Posted 04/01/2020 at 03:11:40
Colin @ 98, buy Mane and Salah then loan then to Cittah for six months.
John Mckay
133 Posted 04/01/2020 at 08:22:17
I don't want Messi he doesnt track back and defend!
Rob Halligan
134 Posted 04/01/2020 at 08:41:50
Keith, # 117. £8M is loose change mate!!
Martin Berry
135 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:01:12
In 1999 Man City were in the 3rd tier of English football, along came arab money and now they are one of the best teams in the world and far better than their "quieter neighbours" a power shift.
We have Everton, who now have wealth that we never had before, a great manager and an impending new ground that will be envy of many clubs.
Across the city we have the dark side who are running away with the Prem and have another "European cup" in the bag, however their manager will move on and so will the players and they will be hard to replace.
There is now a possibility of a merseyside power shift to, although it will take time.
Without money wherever it comes from this could not potentially happen so welcome the possibility do not knock us for finding investment.
There has never been a better time to be an Evertonian, Happy New Year folks
Ray Roche
136 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:17:52
FFP is a joke, and a very bad one at that.
City, RS, United,Chelsea, etc were all allowed to build up big expensive squads, update their grounds, Academies and training facilities etc,over a number of years. As soon as other clubs became rich and threatened the Sky cash cows FFP is introduced and, instead of applying just to the Sky darlings, it applies to everyone so the chance of the likes of us catching them up are reduced. In a fair world FFP would hamstring the Sky darlings until everyone else has a chance of catching up. It would make the League a more level playing field.
Lenny Kingman
137 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:39:18
Chris #55

"He's rich, he's round, he's paying for our ground Usmanov, Usmanov" rolls a little better I think.

Derek Knox
138 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:50:48
Great and very welcome news, although it has been mooted for a long time, the sponsorship of Finch Farm (USM) was a bit of a give-away.

We were all made up when Moshiri came on board/Board but let's be honest the amount of waste there has been financially both in bad Management choices Compensation, overpriced players etc.

Let's hope that things are played differently this time, the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti with Duncan as his assistant, is definitely a positive step in the right direction. A ship is as good as it's Captain and crew, let's get the best crew we can.

Alisher has said he will remain an Arsenal fan, but will wear the Blue of Everton on matchdays, what does he do when we play Arsenal at home? I believe also the Club shop has ordered a 5XL special shirt. Welcome Mr Usmanov! 😂😋💙👓

Brent Stephens
139 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:51:40
The old Rotunda long since gone. Welcome to the new Rotunder.
Paul Smith
140 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:52:26
He's rich, he's 'A'round he's paying for our ground Usmanov, Usmanov

Lets not take the piss out of his weight guys he hasn't invested yet. 🤣

Hugh Jenkins
141 Posted 04/01/2020 at 10:36:00
John (53) - the wording of the Echo report is perfect insofar as it says that Moshri has no intention of inviting Usmanov to join him as a shareholder "at present", whilst Usmanov has said that he will willingly invest in Everton via the naming rights of the new stadium and will invest in EFC as a shareholder if "invited" by Moshri.

This is a clear strategy to circumvent FFP, that can't really be challenged by the powers that be.

It is clever and subtle insofar as they are laying out the strategy now, in full public view.

If any objections are to be made - they need to be made now as any made later can be dismissed on the grounds that the proposal was made public long before the event.

I expect what will happen is that USM will pay a massive sum for the "naming rights" of the stadium.

The building of the stadium will however be fully funded by borrowing from the Local Authority or Local Authority sponsored loans, as has already been planned and publicised.

This will leave the "naming rights" money in the Everton cash pot and available to spend as we see fit, i.e transfer and wages, on the grounds that it will be income generated at arms length, from commercial activities.

When the dust has settled and some time has passed, Usmanov will be offered to buy Bill Kenwright's remaining shares and will then join the Board of EFC as Chairman - the post he has publicly said he always wanted to hold at Arsenal.

Johnny Rainford
142 Posted 04/01/2020 at 10:42:46
Ray #136 this is absolutely correct of course. $ky / uefa / FIFA have a product to sell to the Asian market and only want their glamour teams in the shop window. One can almost see the conspiracy taking shape as far back as 93. The only real surprise is that City were allowed to gatecrash the party in 2008 and look how much cash they needed to spend to do it. Hopefully now it's (finally) our turn. Coyb.
Neil Copeland
143 Posted 04/01/2020 at 11:31:08
Perhaps we should have Usmanov ask as our guarantor for the loan from the council (similar to your dad acting as back up for your first car on HP). That way, we still really piss of the RS with the council money stuff and avoid ffp problems because Usmanov is merely a sponsor providing financial backing, ,,

Just saying

Neil Copeland
144 Posted 04/01/2020 at 11:54:14
Ask should be act - fat fingers
Brian Harrison
145 Posted 04/01/2020 at 12:12:52
From when Moshiri took overall control of the club Usmanov said if his friend needed help all he had to do was ask. So it comes as no surprise to see Usmanov now being quoted as saying if asked he would invest in Everton. I think probably buying the naming rights is a far better way at the moment of Usmanov putting money into the club without it effecting the FFP rules.

I am sure at some point he will be invited to join the club and maybe this was always the overall strategy. I do think maybe he had a hand in persuading Ancelotti to sign, and I am sure Ancelotti would feel more secure in signing knowing Usmanov was involved in some way or other in providing transfer funds.

Sean Callaghan
146 Posted 04/01/2020 at 12:29:19
FFP is a corrupt system administered a corrupt organisation. That said, compared to the fetid cesspool that Usmanov allegedly made his money in, FIFA are clumsy amateurs, so I really can't envisage a scenario in which our new benefactor will give a hoot about the rules.
Chris Leyland
147 Posted 04/01/2020 at 13:46:06
Neil - 14:, I fail to see why the RS should in any way be posed off if the council fund the stadium. Afterall, 99.9% of them don’t pay council tax in Merseyside.
Dave Abrahams
148 Posted 04/01/2020 at 16:08:09
Hugh (141), I’ve heard that Kenwright in his latest will and testament has stipulated that his remaining shares be raffled amongst Everton season ticket holders, with all monies collected be given to the club as a transfer fund. Bill feels this is one way he can repay the debt, he feels, he owes the club, for all the cock ups he made while chairman of the club. If true, I say “ Bravo Billy, I knew you wasn’t all bad”
Denis Richardson
149 Posted 04/01/2020 at 17:46:25
Football sold its soul about 30 years ago so may as well finally join the club.

Imo Usmanov has been involved ever since Moshiri came to us. Moshiri is just a frontman. Usmanov will take over officially eventually and then we'll officially be another multi billionaires plaything.

Think we can put the 'knife to a gunfight' talk to bed.

Boy does he look shady though. I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him!

Denis Richardson
150 Posted 04/01/2020 at 17:53:13
Hugh 141 - I think BK only owns about 5% of the shares in EFC now. Can't see Usmanov putting in hundreds of millions for just a 5% stake. Then again, who knows what arrangement Usmanov has with Moshiri in private. By public accounts Moshiri supposedly made his $1.2bn fortune being Usmanovs accountant.

Must be one hell of an accountant! Didn't realise double entry paid so good.

Believe the saying goes 'Behind every great fortune lies a crime'.

Neil Copeland
151 Posted 04/01/2020 at 17:55:15
Chris #147, 😁
Nicholas Ryan
152 Posted 04/01/2020 at 18:26:09
Will the Club shop have to be called: 'SovietSpivsRUs'?
Paul Birmingham
153 Posted 04/01/2020 at 19:15:36
Paul@140, a good ditty, let’s hope, and Ive a gut feeling it will happen.

Perhaps the dawn of a new era, and to bring some victory and success back to EFC, and Evertonians.

Hopefully this decade, kick starts a new era for Everton, and good times ahead.

To be compete on the top table with the best seat, is something we’ve dreamed off for years.

Onwards and upwards, Evertonians, onto victory, and tomorrow a win or a draw would be superb.

Mark Andersson
154 Posted 04/01/2020 at 22:28:49
I have a good feeling that 2020 onwards will see Merseyside dominate the football world and that means we will start beating the red shite again..
Stan Schofield
155 Posted 04/01/2020 at 22:29:30
Julian@127: I'm surprised you're at all interested in top level football at all, given the prevalence of moneys such as that from Sky.

It strikes me that you either adopt a moral stance on the sources of money in the game, and don't take any further interest in the game at all (no Sky subscription, no attendance at matches, no watching MOTD, no partaking of ToffeeWeb, etc.), or you simply follow your team regardless.

Make your mind up time?

Brian Williams
156 Posted 04/01/2020 at 22:46:50
Chris#147.
99.9% of 'em don't pay council tax in the UK let alone Merseyside!!
Stan Schofield
157 Posted 04/01/2020 at 23:27:22
Mark@154: I think you're right. Empires come and go. In the 60s and 80s the centre-of-mass of football was Merseyside. In the last three decades it has shifted to Manchester and London. It may be the time for a shift back to Merseyside.
Colin Glassar
158 Posted 05/01/2020 at 08:48:27
The shareholders meeting might give us some more insight into what’s happening behind the scenes. Record losses (£100m+) to be announced. SOS Mr. Usmanov.
Julian Exshaw
159 Posted 05/01/2020 at 12:31:56
Stan@155. I will follow Everton and football until the day I die but that doesn't mean I have to approve of where football is going. I don't like football stadiums being named after airlines or betting companies, in fact I hate it. I admit to being a traditionalist. I know I'm in a minority and I know football has moved on and has improved in many ways but hell, I still like clubs to name a football ground as they wish and not as dictated to by multinationals. That was my main point.
Ron Sear
160 Posted 05/01/2020 at 18:21:15
Reminds me of that old joke -
How do you become a millionaire?
You start off as a billionaire and buy a football team!
Justin Doone
161 Posted 05/01/2020 at 20:49:33
Until we improve massively on the pitch FFP is irrelevant.

We can have all the money in the world but until we have players and a coach all singing from the same carol sheet it means didley.

Stan Schofield
162 Posted 06/01/2020 at 11:17:00
Julian@159: I take your point. I similarly don't approve as such, but I don't really see the point in openly criticising (rather than quietly disapproving of) Everton's sources of money. If I were to openly criticise, I would likely back it up with the action of not having anything explicit to do with it all.
Nick Dogan
164 Posted 08/01/2020 at 21:58:17
What does FFP matter until we have a team capable of qualifying for Europe ?
The club should worry about it then maybe?
Who knows, a challenge in our courts once we've left the EU might be interesting
John P McFarlane
165 Posted 08/01/2020 at 22:03:53
Nick #164 The Premier League also have rules with regards to the amount that can be spent above income for any three year period, I believe it's circa £105m, which I believe Everton FC is struggling to meet - so it may restrict what we can spend in this window, unless we cash in on our better players such as Richarlison?
Dennis Stevens
166 Posted 08/01/2020 at 22:16:38
Nick, UEFA isn't an EU organisation, the UK being in or out of the EU makes no difference to UEFA rules.
Nick Dogan
167 Posted 08/01/2020 at 23:00:19
Hi Dennis, my point is that there have been efforts previously in the EU courts , which pretty soon will have no jurisdiction here, we will have left the EU but we will still be in UEFA
Nothing to stop any club challenging FFP in a British court and if they win then UEFA would have to rethink.
It must come very close to restraint of trade.

https://www.asser.nl/SportsLaw/Blog/post/the-evolution-of-uefa-s-financial-fair-play-rules-part-1-background-and-eu-law-by-christopher-flanagan

Imagine Burger King being told they can't spend as much on advertising as mcDonalds because McDonalds have more branches?

Steve Ferns
168 Posted 09/01/2020 at 18:44:15
Nick, it's not like that. Football is a sport and sport rules are exempt as long as they do not interfere with worker's rights. I remember studying the Bosman case as an aside when doing the Freedom of Movement of Workers as part of the EU Law module on my LLB. The response of the EU to this was effectively to say to UEFA that if they wanted football exemptions then they would make them as they did not want the courts deciding the rules for Sport.

A Lawyer for Bosman, Dupont, has been spouting crap about taking down the transfer system for years and for the last 3 years he's had FFP in his sights. He is attention hungry, and so far none of his cases have got anywhere. Quite frankly though, FFP is not fair to the likes of Everton and it is all about making sure that we cannot join the elite, by restricting what we can spend, even if we have Usmanov bankrolling us.

Nick Dogan
169 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:06:32
Ah but Steve
This is all about EU, EU law, agreements between UEFA and the EU.
None of this will apply to British clubs soon and besides, until we actually have a side good enough to qualify for European competition is there any point caring about FFP ??
It's a bit like panicking over where you're gonna find the money for a holiday in 2024 .
Steve Ferns
170 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:24:45
Nick, you will find that whilst Boris the Buffoon might declare Brexit next year, the lawyers won’t say its complete until the next decade. It’s far too entangled to be complete within 10 years.

More importantly though, if you do an international deal, the small print always has a jurisdiction clause. Proudly, nearly every major European contact states UK law as having jurisdiction meaning our courts have the final say above all others. Even a lot of american multinational deals nominate UK law too. This is now changing to France, but that’s not the point.

The point is to play in European Competition you have to consent to rules and regulations which will give jurisdiction to European Law and not UK law. So Brexit means nothing to FFP.

Where Brexit is going to be potentially seismic is that the EU players are classed as foreign. Even Seamus Coleman. So take the starting XI on Sunday, there was only 4 UK players in the XI. We’re only allowed 3 foreigners. So that’s got to change. Imagine how hard it’s going to be for some other sides. The PL won’t allow it though as they need the global TV audience. The rules are set by the FA (not the government) so let’s see what they do.

I predict the FA (cos again it’s up to them) will also rework the work permit rules so you can sign whoever you want and forget about applying for a work permit for an elite level footballer and you just need to fulfil quotas of british players, maybe as few as 3 in the XI or 5 including the bench.

Paul Tran
171 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:30:34
Nick, FFP applies to the PL, as well as the EU, so Brexit won't make any difference, unless the policy of 'get em aaaaahht' will also include footballers.
Nick Dogan
172 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:36:04
But we can quite happily ignore FFP as we don't qualify for european competition mate.
The need is now surely?
Once we get to stage where we have a team that's capable then we can take a one year ban like AC Milan,as a precedent has now been set by their ban . christ we've had longer european bans through no fault of our own.
Why worry about a competition we don't qualify for and are very unlikely to with current crop of players
Paul Tran
173 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:46:18
I stand corrected, Nick! We may want to be careful of any consequences of breaching these rules, though. All will be revealed as we enter the transfer market - I still find it hard to believe Ancelotti's come here on the basis that we won't be signing players.
Steve Ferns
174 Posted 09/01/2020 at 22:53:00
Nick, if we breach FFP we could be docked points by the PL or even relegated. It applies within the PL and the FL. There's a load of Championship clubs being investigated right now. Weren't Fulham done recently too? And Sheff Weds got in trouble for selling their ground to a shell company to boost their accounts by £50m.

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