Everton takeover: ‘Beware misleading headlines’ warning issued as hurdles stack up for 777 deal – Philippe Auclair

Fri 15 September 2023 17:10, UK

A agreement for the sale of Everton has been reached “but not concluded” so “beware of misleading headlines”, Philippe Auclair has warned.

The French journalist, who raised major doubt over 777 Partners’ ability to complete the takeover for Eurosport this week, reacted via Twitter to the announcement of a deal between the Americans and Farhad Moshiri on Friday (15 September) to point out that the transaction is far from done.

According to Auclair there are various stumbling blocks ahead and it is “not a foregone conclusion” that the Premier League, the Football Association or the Financial Conduct Authority will agree to the takeover, while the club’s other creditors will also “have a say”.

Everton a depuis annoncé qu'un accord de vente avait été trouvé…mais pas conclu. Attention aux grands titres trompeurs. La PL, la FA et la FCA doivent encore donner leur accord, ce qui n'est pas joué d'avance. Sans parler des créditeurs de EFC, qui ont aussi leur mot à dire. https://t.co/cWJi2XPewE
— Philippe Auclair (@PhilippeAuclair) September 15, 2023

View Tweet

Auclair wrote: “Everton have since announced that a sale agreement had been reached…but not concluded. Beware of misleading headlines.

MORE TOFFEES STORIES

“The PL, FA and FCA still have to give their agreement, which is not a foregone conclusion. Not to mention EFC’s creditors, who also have a say.”

Long way to go

Auclair has clearly nailed his colours to the mast this week with regards to what he thinks of the situation at Goodison Park, and what he feels the introduction of 777 Partners to the equation can do.

Either way he is right to highlight that caution is necessary since there are so many other parties who will have an input on whether Moshiri and the prospective new owners get what they want.

That was demonstrated pretty clearly but the previous minority investment agreement with MSP Sports Capital that was in the offing all summer breaking down last month in light of opposition from current creditor Rights and Media Funding [The Athletic, 23 August].

There has certainly been a significant step forward along the path to the club getting new ownership but it is not set in stone at this stage.

Whether it be transfers or investment, Everton supporters are no strangers to expecting one thing and seeing something very different actually happen in the past couple of years.

So while Moshiri and 777 have made their intentions public it now will be down to them to convince the relevant interested parties and authorities that it is a viable deal.

In other Everton news, a Brazilian UFC star is set to be in attendance as the Toffees take on Arsenal at Goodison Park.