777 Partners has issued a statement to the New York Times after the American publication suggested its proposed takeover of Everton could yet collapse.
Tariq Panja reported for the outlet’s online edition on Wednesday (18 October) that the sale has “stalled” due to 777 failing to provide audited financial statements to a British government regulator.
The report adds that “the missing documents are the most significant complication to date” in the Miami-based holding company’s plans to buy out Farhad Moshiri.
In response to the claims, 777 Partners told the New York Times (18 October): “Out of respect for the process, 777 Partners will not be commenting on the ongoing regulatory approval process for its proposed acquisition of Everton F.C.”
Responding to a separate allegation of 3,000 of its staff members missing payroll on at least two occasions, 777 Partners said: “All contractually guaranteed bonuses have been paid.”
This has now reached a point in which 777 needs to come out and publicly answer a number of questions that could define Everton’s future.
Josh Wander recently penned an open letter on the club’s website, while 777 also granted a short interview with Sky Sports.
That appeared a positive step in the right direction, although ultimately we learned little about the American investment fund that we did not already know.
Wednesday’s New York Times report, coupled with separate claims regarding staff pay, must be taken extremely seriously.
Exactly why have these audited financial statements not been handed over to the relevant authorities? What else is being kept quiet?
It just seems like one problem after another is continuing to mount.
This is a deal Everton cannot really afford to fall through at this stage with nobody else standing by, so let’s hope for a resolution of some sort.
