- Everton have confirmed that 777 have agreed to acquire 94.1 per cent of the side
- Controversial firm own Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, whose fans ‘disapprove’
- Prospective owners have denied allegations including fraud and illegal loans
Everton have confirmed that 777 Partners have agreed a deal to acquire 94.1 per cent controlling stake in the football club.
Farhad Moshiri has now agreed to sell the club to the controversial American firm, who are led by Josh Wander.
Josh Wander, a representative of 777 Partners, has faced criticism for his background in the insurance industry and the perception that the ownership group may prioritize profit over the club’s identity and traditions.
A message from Hertha Berlin fans has made it abundantly clear that they expect their club’s heritage and values to be preserved at all costs.
Everton News Feed posted on X – formerly Twitter – showing Hertha Berlin’s disapproval of 777 Partners:
A message from Hertha Berlin fans has made it abundantly clear that they disapprove of 777
The sign read: ‘Wander: Insurance for football fans? Our investments are called identity and co-determination. Josh Wander, the only thing we assure you is our disapproval of you!’
The American investment company was founded by Steven Pasko and Josh Wander (pictured)
Farhad Moshiri has agreed to sell Everton to 777 Partners – who will acquire 94.1 per cent stake
The tweet read: Hertha Berlin fans with a message to Josh Wander and 777 Partners
‘Wander: Insurance for football fans? Our investments are called identity and co-determination. Josh Wander, the only thing we assure you is our disapproval of you!’
777 Partners, based in Miami, was founded in 2015 by Steven Pasko and Josh Wander after a management buyout of SuttonPark Capital. The private American investment company aims to provide growth capital for the businesses.
They have a wide range of investments that include sports, insurance and entertainment. The firm is worth £8billion, having invested in a number of football clubs around the world.
The Toffees join the Bundesliga’s Hertha Berlin, Genoa in Serie A, and Standard Liege in the Belgian Pro League as part of 777’s wider investments. The Miami-based owners also have stakes in Brazilian club Vasco de Gama.
777 Partners have received a lot of negativity as many of the clubs under their ownership have struggled since their takeovers.
Standard Liege fans have held protests against 777’s ownership at games in Belgium this season, while Genoa announced the issue of a bond aiming to raise £4m for the club.
Since their takeovers, the firm have faced a lot of negativity as many clubs have continued to struggle, despite the change in ownership.
Everton have endured a tough start to the new campaign and have only picked up one point so far. Last season they managed to avoid relegation but Sean Dyche’s side continue to struggle
777 made much of their money from pay-day loans and invested in budget airlines and sports
Wander’s suitability to become a director of a Premier League club will also be assessed, with government sources even expressing concern about some of his companies’ alleged activities.
His ‘no contest’ plea to three drugs offences 20 years ago is unlikely to be a disqualifying factor, but the Premier League may also look at the numerous allegations made against 777 and sister companies in the American courts.
A spokesperson for 777 told Mail Sport that the allegations formed part of a corporate claim against some of the 60 companies they own and that Wander is not personally indicted. He has strongly denied any involvement in the loan contracts that have led to the court cases and has expressed sympathy with the alleged victims.
Ironically given his recent bullishness Wander kept his head down at the high point of his career in football last week, declining to be photographed or interviewed after being elected to the Board of the European Club Association in Berlin. Owning a Premier League club is unlikely to permit such anonymity.
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