Everton’s New Era: U.S. Firm Friedkin Group Takes Over
In a significant development for Everton fans and the Premier League, the long-running ownership saga of the club has finally reached its conclusion. On Thursday, the club announced that the U.S. firm, the Friedkin Group, has completed its takeover. This marks a new chapter for Everton, as the American ownership group takes over British-Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% majority share of the club. The timing of this change is particularly noteworthy as Everton is set to move from its historic home at Goodison Park to a brand-new riverfront stadium next season.
With this acquisition, Everton becomes the 10th club in the Premier League to be under American ownership. This trend of American investment in English football continues to grow, and it will be interesting to see how the Friedkin Group’s involvement will shape the future of the club. Marc Watts, the club’s incoming executive chairman, expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying, “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch.”
The Friedkin Group is no stranger to the world of football, as they also own the Serie A club AS Roma. Their experience in managing a top-tier European club could prove beneficial for Everton as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League. The Premier League has confirmed that the group passed its league owners’ and directors’ test, with the takeover being ratified by an Independent Oversight Panel.
Farhad Moshiri, who was a former Arsenal shareholder, first bought a 49.9% stake in Everton in 2016. By January 2022, he had increased his stake to 94.1% with a £100m capital injection. Despite his significant investment, the club’s men’s side has faced a tumultuous journey in recent seasons. They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day in 2023 and repeated the feat last season, even after being deducted a total of eight points across two separate penalties for Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) infringements.
Everton’s women’s side has also struggled, remaining in the bottom half of the table in recent seasons. The new American ownership will have control over both the men’s and women’s teams, and fans will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes under their stewardship.
Moshiri expressed his confidence in the new ownership, stating, “I truly believe that the transaction with the Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success. Despite a challenging geopolitical backdrop, a significant amount has been achieved over the last couple of years including the delivery of a new sporting department, the stabilisation of our finances and the delivery of our iconic new stadium. I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.”
As of now, Everton sits 16th in the Premier League with 15 points after 15 games. Their next challenge will be hosting Chelsea on Sunday. The match will be a crucial test for the team as they aim to climb up the league table and secure their position in the top flight.
- Everton’s new ownership by the Friedkin Group marks the 10th Premier League club under American control.
- The club is set to move to a new riverfront stadium next season.
- Everton’s men’s team narrowly avoided relegation in the past two seasons.
- The Friedkin Group also owns Serie A club AS Roma.
With the Friedkin Group at the helm, Everton fans will be eager to see how this new era unfolds. Will the American ownership bring the stability and success that the club’s loyal supporters have been yearning for? Only time will tell, but the promise of a new stadium and fresh leadership certainly sets the stage for an exciting future.
Originally Written by: ESPN
