Friedkins set 1 March deadline in ‘one to watch’ as Everton fans already dream of Europe
Everton fans are dreaming of a return to European football thanks to the work of David Moyes and the backing of The Friedkin Group.
Everton beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the weekend and are currently seventh in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace in fourth only two points better off.
The table is incredibly congested and there is no reason why Everton cannot challenge for a top-six finish on the basis of what we have seen so far.
Should that be the case, certain complications could arise given the Friedkins also owning Serie A side Roma, who themselves will likely be in Europe again next season.
Friedkins face possible Everton and Roma headache
Due to multi-club ownership rules, the Friedkins need to take relevant steps early in case Everton and Roma are both in the same competition next season.
Crystal Palace fans found out the hard way about multi-club ownership regulations earlier this year when blocked from competing in the Europa League.
That was due to John Textor holding a stake at the time in both Palace and Lyon, with the latter also qualifying for UEFA’s secondary competition.
- The Friedkin Group bought Roma in 2020 and have an estimated worth of £4.8billion
- The Americans purchased a 98.8 per cent stake in Everton last December
- Due to owning stakes in two clubs, they cannot compete in same competition as things stand
As pointed out by Citizens of Suburbia via X, “it is pretty clear TFG control” both Everton and Roma, so an identical situation could be on the cards come next summer.
“The fact that Marc Watts is Chairman of Everton (and that TFG’s ownership is via Roundhouse) is neither here nor there,” the account added.
“Whilst it’s true the minority shareholding groups differ between Roma and Everton, both clubs are ultimately controlled by TFG. The UBO of both Roma and Everton is Dan Friedkin.”
“In the event Roma and Everton qualify for the same UEFA tournament, ahead of time, for one of the clubs, either (1) TFG dilutes its control or (2) it adopts a Blind Trust structure.
“They would also need to get this done in good time – declarations are required by March.
“Such moves will need either Premier League or Serie A approval as they constitute a change of control which needs the league sign off.
“A change of control waiver would also likely be needed for the JP Morgan arranged debt. So one to watch if both clubs look as if they will qualify for the same tournament.”
Football finance expert Stefan Borson responded: “Correct. There is no doubt Everton and Roma are currently captured by the MCO rules and need to take action before 1 March (just in case).”
While it may seem fanciful to think of Everton competing in Europe next season, the same was also true of Crystal Palace 12 months ago.
Friedkin Group have two options to avoid awkward Everton scenario
As pointed out above, the Friedkins can either dilute their control in Everton or adopt a ‘Blind Trust’ structure.
The Friedkins are serious about Everton, as seen by their activity so far and the plans in place for the January transfer window.
Dan Friedkin is already balancing matters between Roma and Everton, and he will be fully aware of the collision course the two clubs are potentially on.
Moyes simply needs to keep doing what he’s doing in keeping Everton in European contention, and then leave the off-the-field business to the Friedkins to deal with.
Hopefully that’s all in good time so any sort of Palace-type headache is avoided next summer.
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