Protests, relegation and rock bottom: Everton’s new owners have grim track record in football
Farhad Moshiri's days at Everton look set to be over as the unpopular owner agreed a takeover deal with 777 Partners.
But is the arrival of the Miami-based multi-club investors good news for Toffees fans?
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Well, a look at their record since diving into the world of football club ownership won't be an easy read for the Goodison Park faithful.
Moshiri, who became the majority owner of the club in 2018, reached an agreement to sell his shares of 94.1 per cent to 777 on Friday.
Should the deal go through, Moshiri's ownership has come to an end with the building of a new stadium, hiring former rival manager Rafa Benitez and two years of Premier League relegation battles sitting fresh in the memory of Evertonians.
"I have spoken to a number of parties and considered some strong potential opportunities," Moshiri said in a statement. "However, it is through my lengthy discussions with 777 that I believe they are the best partners to take our great Club forward, with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model."
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But will 777 really help the club head back in the right direction?
The American private investment firm's ownership or part ownership of seven other football clubs can help give Toffees fans an idea of just how their club may be run should the deal be completed.
LaLiga's Sevilla, Serie A's Genoa, Belgium side Standard Liege, French team Red Star, CR Vasco da Gama in Brazil, Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin and Melbourne Victory in Australia are those already in 777's portfolio, with the firm acquiring all clubs in the last 18 months.
The most notable side, 2023 Europa League winners Sevilla, are currently rock bottom of LaLiga, losing all three of their opening league games and suffering defeat in the Super Cup to Manchester City.
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Struggling with financial issues and reports suggesting they were in £77m of debt, their spend this summer was just £4.7m. They did bring back club legend Sergio Ramos, though.
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Meanwhile, Standard Liege are protesting against 777, who took over the club in March 2022.
'Your Galaxy shouldn’t damage our future!' their banners read, calling out their owners lack of investment and ambition shown in this summer's transfer window as they went six games without a win earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin were relegated last season, finishing bottom of the league after 777 took had taken control in November.
Vasco da Gama are also in the relegation zone in Serie A.
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have reported that the government have expressed concerns about 777 Partners, who have ongoing involvement in several court cases in the US.
Football fans that have had to watch in agony as their clubs are run by incompetent owners will know the feeling of being desperate for change all too well.
But whilst some Toffees fans will be thrilled to see the back of Moshiri, they will no doubt also be hoping it's not out of the frying pan and into the fire when it comes to 777's takeover.
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