Everton’s owner, Farhad Moshiri, once expressed strong confidence in selling the Premier League club to the US investment firm 777 Partners. In October last year, he stated to Sky Sports News: “The more time that I have spent with the 777 team, the more my confidence increases that we have found the right people to take the club forward in the modern era.”
However, those words are proving increasingly questionable. The 777 deal now seems less likely to go through, especially after concerning reports about the firm’s finances. Last Friday, these concerns were exacerbated by news that 777 Partners is being sued for fraud in the US.
Leadenhall Capital Partners filed the lawsuit in New York’s southern district, claiming they were “induced” into lending 777 hundreds of millions of dollars based on a promise of more than “$350 million in assets as collateral.” They allege that the assets either didn’t exist, weren’t actually owned by 777 co-founder Josh Wander’s entities, or had already been pledged to another lender.
Financial Strain Casts Doubts Over Everton’s Future with 777
777 declined to comment.
The case is a civil matter with unproven allegations, but the issue for Everton lies in the uncertainty surrounding 777’s acquisition of the club. Everton has survived the past eight months largely due to 777’s financial support.
The US firm has loaned Everton approximately £192 million, adding to the club’s existing debt of £225 million from Rights & Media Funding (RMF) and £160 million from a consortium led by MSP Capital and wealthy Evertonians Andy Bell and George Downing.
These loans have stretched Everton’s finances to their limits, prompting the club’s directors to seek assistance from Teneo, a global financial advisory firm specializing in insolvency and restructuring.
Without 777’s cash injections or alternative funding sources, Everton may struggle to meet its financial obligations.
Everton manager Sean Dyche expressed his concerns on Thursday, hinting that the club’s precarious financial situation could force the sale of key players this summer.
“If the takeover doesn’t happen, or a takeover, then it will probably be juggling dust, not sand,” he said. “I think that’s fair, because who knows then? You are having to self-generate everything then, I would imagine, because it’s not like there is a pile of cash anywhere.”
Everton’s Financial Troubles Could Lead to Administration
If a takeover doesn’t happen and player sales can’t fill the financial gaps, Everton may face administration, as suggested by their approach to Teneo. This could lead to a nine-point deduction, adding to the eight points already lost this season due to breaches of profitability and sustainability rules.
However, if Everton secures a win against Sheffield United at Goodison Park on Saturday, the team could ensure Premier League survival even with a further nine-point deduction, fueling speculation that the club may enter administration next week.
This scenario would favor some parties more than others. RMF and the MSP consortium would likely be paid back, as they have security over Everton’s assets. RMF holds security over property and bank accounts, while MSP has security over the new stadium development at Bramley-Moore Dock.
777 Partners might recover some of its £192 million, having subordinated security with RMF. However, a £450 million loan provided to Everton by Bluesky Capital, controlled by Moshiri, is unsecured. This implies administration would result in significant losses for Bluesky, and the 94% stake in Everton held by Moshiri’s Isle of Man company could become worthless.
Administration would also have real-world consequences for local businesses and sole traders supplying the club, as well as some club staff who may face job insecurity. Everton has been approached for comment.
