Everton are ‘most compelling story’ as European dreams now cast in further doubt
Everton could see their hopes of featuring in the Europa League dashed ahead of next season.
The Toffees are firmly in the hunt for a top-end finish in the Premier League after a largely positive season under David Moyes.
Those dreams haven’t been helped by a defeat away to West Ham as a Callum Wilson goal sealed three points for the relegation-threatened hosts.
Defeat at the London Stadium has left the Blues in 11th and in need of a massive slice of luck with four games to go.
Everton will have one eye on European qualification, although they could face a blow regardless of where they finish this season.
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Everton under European risk due to Friedkin Group
There has been a rise in various sides coming under the umbrella of multi-club ownership in recent seasons.
The Merseyside outfit are just the latest example of that, with the Friedkins coming in despite having existing ownership of Roma.
| Years | Club | Percentage stake |
| 2024-present | Everton | 99.5% |
| 2019-present | Roma | 95.97% |
That has raised questions at Hill Dickinson Stadium about what may happen if Moyes’ side and the Italians both secure European qualification this season – most likely the Europa League.
BBC Sport have suggested this could be “the most compelling story” as owners look to get their multi-club systems within UEFA’s rules.
Their report outlines that Everton are controlled by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, and Roma under Romulus and Remus Investments.
Analaura Moreira-Dunkel and Marcus Watts have the main control of Roundhouse, although Dan Friedkin remains as Blues chairman and president of the Serie A giants.
That could have an effect under UEFA’s broad definition of “control”, “decisive influence” and “shared decision-making”, although the Toffees have suggested they have a solution ready.
The Friedkins have a decision to make at Everton, although there is seemingly hope that they have everything in order.
Everton can’t risk Crystal Palace repeat
As positive as it is to have the US investor in charge of the Blues, there could be issues in the pipeline.
You only have to look at Crystal Palace and their place in the Conference League to understand how frustrating things can be.
Their ties with Lyon owner John Textor relegated them from the Europa League, despite the American not having any controlling power at Selhurst Park.
Everton will look at that and will almost certainly fear for the upcoming summer, should they secure European qualification.
It seems as if the Goodison club have their house in order, so fans will have to hold out and hope their side know what they’re doing.
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