Richard Masters and the Premier League are being accused of showing clear “discrimination” against Everton and their supporters by Joe Anderson, the former Liverpool mayor. Anderson took to Twitter on 24th February to express his frustration at the prolonged wait for a verdict on the proposed takeover by 777 Partners. He claimed that the 23-week waiting period far exceeds the typical time frame for such decisions and is demonstrating a show of “power”, “arrogance”, and “disrespect” on the part of the league office.
The proposed takeover by 777 Partners was agreed upon over five months ago, with an announcement of the deal made on 15th September. However, the Premier League has continued to request more information before making a final decision. Anderson’s criticism of the situation stems from his belief that the long waiting period is indicative of a lack of consideration for Everton FC and their fans.
The delay in the takeover process has put Everton in a financially precarious position. There are concerns about the suitability of the potential new owners, which has led to further unease and uncertainty around the club. The prolonged uncertainty is also impacting the team’s on-field performances, adding to the growing frustration among fans and stakeholders of the club.
The longer the process remains unresolved, the more it raises questions about the motivations behind the delays. While the Premier League may deny any deliberate attempts to slow down the approval, the ongoing situation is undoubtedly affecting their standing among Everton’s fanbase.
The fault may lie with 777 Partners for the delays, but the fact that they are providing significant loans during this prolonged waiting period suggests that they are committed to the club’s future. This adds complexity to the situation and raises concerns about the suitability and readiness of the potential new owners.
In addition to the takeover delays, Everton has been contending with an appeals verdict and a point deduction concern, which has further eroded trust in the league office. As the uncertainty continues, it is likely that the players are also feeling the effects of the ongoing situation.
While the Premier League may rebut the accusations of deliberately stalling the takeover process, the reality is that the predicament is causing substantial damage to the league’s reputation in the eyes of Everton’s fanbase. The situation remains complex, and it is critical to address the concerns and bring about a resolution that is fair and beneficial for all parties involved.
