Everton and Farhad Moshiri in government spot light after White Paper on independent regulator
The UK government is “monitoring” any potential sale of Everton with interest heightened in the wake of the publication of a White Paper regarding an independent regulator, the Daily Mail reports.
Farhad Moshiri has been searching for investment in the club since having to scramble to cut ties with Alisher Usmanov last season in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but is not taking up any of the offers currently on the table over fears that relationship will be scrutinised further.
And it appears that the government is already taking an interest in developments at Goodison Park, with the regulator plans in line to give them the ability to step in if there is a sale.
The Daily Mail reports: “Government sources have told Sportsmail that they are monitoring a possible sale of Everton, with their interest heightened by the publication of a White Paper on the creation of an independent regulator last month which will give them so-called ‘back-stop powers’ to prevent takeovers.
“Everton insist that the club have not had any relationship with Usmanov since sponsorship deals with his company USM were cancelled after he was sanctioned 12 months ago.”
Being watched
Fans would like nothing more than for Moshiri to take up one of the offers and move on, with his time in charge seeing the club descend into crisis.
While the Toffees owner has spent plenty of money at Everton and the new stadium is currently being built, continued mismanagement has lead to financial constraints and back-to-back relegation battles.
So for the avenues to be available for Moshiri to sell up seems like an opportunity for a new start, but he looks like he’s going nowhere with the government ready to look into things.
But if there is a stand-off between him and the government with the spectre of Usmanov hanging over the situation that leaves the worst of all worlds.
Moshiri remains in place, with all the current issues ongoing and a totally broken relationship with the fans, and any problems with the Russian billionaire are left untouched.
Clearly no supporters would wish for the club to find itself in a similar situation to Chelsea last year when Roman Abramovich was sanctioned, but if Usmanov’s involvement in the Moshiri regime could cause problems that threat will continue to hang over Everton while the current ownership is in place.
But if Moshiri won’t sell then an unhappy stalemate appears set to continue until he changes his mind.