Everton's Fan Advisory Board has urged the Premier League to reject 777 Partners' takeover bid, citing doubts about their financial stability. The board also criticized the lack of transparency, urging owner Farhad Moshiri to seek other buyers amid growing fan anxiety.
Everton’s Fan Advisory Board has become the latest group to increase pressure on prospective new owners 777 Partners, urging the Premier League to "live up to its responsibilities" by rejecting the US investment group's takeover bid.
A deal to acquire the club from current owner Farhad Moshiri was announced in September, but it has yet to be approved due to ongoing doubts about 777's ability to secure the necessary capital, despite their investment of approximately £200 million to cover operating and stadium costs.
On Tuesday, Everton's shareholders' association, which holds about a five percent stake in the club, criticized the proposed takeover, calling it a "farce" and urging Moshiri not to sell to 777 Partners.
Everton's Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has also called on Moshiri to seek out other potential buyers, questioning 777's "inability to secure the funding required to complete the original deal."
"This ongoing confusion and lack of transparency cannot continue," the FAB said in a statement. "Each party must acknowledge its role in tarnishing the reputation of one of the most storied clubs in English football history and understand that all the rumor and speculation is causing significant anxiety and concern among the club's most valuable asset: its fans."
Regarding the Premier League's role, the FAB added: "It is time for the Premier League to uphold its responsibilities, as outlined in the Owners and Directors Test in its rule book, by rejecting 777 Partners to allow for discussions with more suitable owners for our great club."
