Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has said he is not walking away from the crisis-hit Premier League club despite supporters’ protests calling for a sale.
But the British-Iranian businessman is seeking outside investment to fund the completion of Everton’s new 53,000-capacity stadium.
“The club is not for sale, but I have been talking to real quality leading investors to fill a gap in the stadium.
“I can do it. The reason I want to do that is to bring major sporting investors to Everton. We are close to a deal.
“It’s not selling the club at all, it’s bringing more experience to global sponsors in terms of commercial development,” Moshiri said in a video interview with the Everton Supporters’ Advisory Committee, published on the club’s website.
Frank Lampard was sacked as manager on Monday with the Toffees second bottom of the Premier League, putting his 69-year tenure in jeopardy.
His poor form on the pitch has fueled unrest among fans in recent weeks with a number of demonstrations against Everton’s management, leading to the manager missing a game against Southampton earlier this month due to security concerns.
Moshiri has cashed in since taking over in 2016. Everton’s losses over the past three years total 372 million pounds ($457 million).
However, he has been heavily criticized for the club’s management with Lampard becoming the seventh permanent manager to leave in seven years.
Everton Stadium at Liverpool’s Bramley Moore Dock is set to open in time for the 2024-25 season.
The crowd at Goodison Park were instrumental in Everton avoiding relegation last season.
Moshiri has asked the group for help in responding to an “existential” crisis in protecting them in this way.
“This is the most critical time in our history. It’s almost an existential point.
“I am committed to this club, not only to this stadium, but also to join the elite. But I need your help.
“The fans are the most important part of the Everton organisation. We have to get through this together, only we can get through this together.
“Everton has been dependent on Goodison and the twelfth man. I know we are much weaker without the wholehearted support of the fans and I will do everything to lift the fans up. I am available 24 hours a day”, he added.
Everton are not back in action until they host Premier League leaders Arsenal on February 4.
AFP
