candidate for relegation
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The takeover of Everton FC by the Friedkin Group has finally been completed. After the agreement was reached at the end of September, the deal also cleared the regulatory hurdles. The traditional English club confirmed this on Monday. The Friedkin Group, which also owns AS Rom, is taking over the majority stake of 94.1 percent from the Iranian investor Farhad Moshiri.
“Today is a significant and proud event for the Friedkin Group as we become the owners of this legendary football club. We are determined to lead Everton into an exciting new era, both on and off the pitch. Immediate financial stabilization of the club was a key priority and we are pleased to have achieved this. It will take time for Everton to regain its rightful place in the Premier League, but today is the first step on that path,” future CEO Marc Watts is quoted as saying.
In September there was talk that the Friedkin Group wanted to “provide stability” to the club and advance the “vision for the future”, which included the completion of the new stadium. After 132 years at Goodison Park, Everton will have a new home next season. The “Everton Stadium” at Bramley-Moore Dock will be the Toffees’ home ground from the 2025/26 season.
For Everton, however, the takeover comes at one of the most difficult times in the club’s history. The club has never been relegated since the Premier League was founded in the 1992/93 season. However, the nine-time old champion from the times before the Premier League was founded finished in 15th, 17th and 16th place in the last three seasons and is also in a relegation battle this season. After 15 games we are ranked 16th, the lead over the saving bank is three points.
In Rome, shortly after the agreement with Everton was announced, the majority owners emphasized that the commitment to AS would not suffer under the new conditions. “The possible addition of Everton to our portfolio does not change our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the symbiosis of several clubs will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured that our commitment of time, resources and energy to Roma will not diminish. Our goal is clear: AS Roma should consistently compete at the highest levels of European football,” said a statement from Dan and Ryan Friedkin on the Roma website in September.