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Wed 24 July 2024 19:00, UK

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Farhad Moshiri is to blame for the collapse of the Friedkin Group’s takeover.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the “root of the problem” lies with money owed to 777 Partners, who also pulled out of a takeover deal this year.

Everton confirmed last week (19 July) that the Friedkin Group will not be progressing with a purchase of the club despite entering a period of exclusivity.

The club revealed “discussions have concluded” and claimed they are now “exploring alternative options” for a buyout.

777’s takeover bid ended in June after a drawn-out period, but are still owed £200million in loans.

777 mess ‘coming home to roost’ for Everton owner Moshiri, says Wyness

However, legal action against the US-based group has complicated matters – leaving the Friedkin Group wary of potential risk.

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Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’m obviously very disappointed.

“I thought Friedkin was the right kind of owner. I’d done a lot of work on what he’d done at Roma.

“Certainly, he seemed to be about actions rather than words.

“Let’s not forget that he has already taken over the MSP debt at the club. He’s assumed that £200million, plus some additional money towards the stadium and running costs.

“He’s now a shareholder without control.

“The issue does appear to be the outstanding loan to 777. This is where the root of the problem is, and the legal position 777 find themselves in. It’s very muddy.

“It’s not clear whether they have used the club as collateral, and whether that loan could be owed to another group because of the legal action they face.”

“On this, I’m afraid I have to blame Farhad Moshiri. He was warned about 777 and their pedigree.

“If you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas. In this case, 777’s fleas have got some kind of pandemic superbug.

“Dealing with them in the first place was a very bad mistake and it’s now coming home to roost.”

In other news, Everton plot two key signings after new twist.

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