Everton: Martyn Ziegler drops points deduction verdict as £20m-a-month claim made
Everton require around £20million a month to keep the club ticking over, according to The Times reporter Martyn Ziegler.
The Toffees are awaiting ratification from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority as to whether 777 Partners can proceed with their takeover of the club.
The Miami-based company has already loaned the Toffees millions since signing an agreement with Farhad Moshiri to purchase his entire 94.1% shareholding in the club [The Guardian].
Speaking on the Sport Unlocked podcast [29 October, 37m 8s], Ziegler shared further details on the investment and gave his verdict on the possible 12-point deduction Everton face if they are found guilty of breaching FFP regulations.
“There are issues, I’m sure, for the Premier League whether this takeover can go ahead,” he said.
“It’s a huge challenge – something like £20million a month needed to keep things going. The bigger question is how they were allowed to get in this position? They’ve effectively had money put in by Moshiri, some sponsorship deals.
“I think the Premier League has a similar guideline [to the EFL]. We don’t know for sure what the Premier League’s team would have recommended, but the figure of a 12-point maximum penalty, I’d be surprised if it’s that high.”
Trouble
These comments from Ziegler emphasise what Everton fans already knew: The club are in almighty trouble should this takeover not go ahead.
Even then, it may well be a case of better the devil you know if the negative press reports regarding 777 are anything to go by.
Ultimately, though, something is needed if Everton are to – and this is not being hyperbolic – just stay in existence over the next decade or so.
The second issue touched on by Ziegler regarding the points deduction also goes along with the general consensus.
Last week’s reports of a possible 12-point deduction certainly had shock value, but that is very much the worst-case scenario.
Besides, Everton have to be found guilty of breaching rules first, and we do not even know if that will be the case at this point.
Either way, the FFP case and the 777 Partners takeover situation will certainly make for an eventful couple of months off the field.
In other Everton news, a Toffees regular is reportedly wanted by multiple European clubs.