Farhad Moshiri explores full Everton takeover as he could fund Bramley-Moore Dock stadium
Farhad Moshiri has explored the possibility of a full Everton takeover but could now be in line to fund the remainder of the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, according to the Daily Mail.
The Toffees majority shareholder has been searching for a secure funding source for the new ground which will see Everton move out of Goodison Park, but the Iranian could now be considering paying for its complete construction himself.
The Iranian has also considered selling the Merseyside club entirely but had to scale back these plans due to his ties with Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov, whose sanctions over the last year have cost Everton tens of millions.
The Daily Mail (Tuesday, 28 March, page 61) wrote: “Everton owner Farhad Moshiri could fund the remainder of the construction as infrastructure spending is exempt from Premier League rules, but he is reluctant to do so having spent more than £700m since taking over in 2016.
“The Iranian has also explored selling Everton or a portion of his shareholding but scaled back that ambition amid concern a sale would invite Government scrutiny of his links to Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov who was sanctioned after the invasion of Ukraine last year.
“The sanctions have cost Everton tens of millions and hampered the stadium project, as his company had agreed a naming-rights deal in addition to sponsoring the training ground.”
Oh dear
If Everton fans thought they might be getting rid of Moshiri in the near future, it seems like the businessman has different plans.
The Toffees owner has come under fire so far this season, with protests calling for him and the board of directors to resign from their roles, but a potential sale of the club looks a little more complicated than first thought.
The sanctions mentioned above have already cost the club enough money, and a sale could create more problems due to ties to the invasion of Ukraine.
But what other options do Everton have?
Moshiri, truthfully or not, is looking to fund the entire Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, something that would be extremely helpful to the club.
Right now, Everton are fishing around for investors but don’t seem to be getting any nibbles of intrigue. Whether Moshiri could fund the entire stadium build is questionable, and fans may just have play the waiting game to find out.