One of Everton’s most senior figures said the club’s new stadium will be a “fitting testament” to Farhad Moshiri’s ownership of the Blues. Colin Chong, interim chief executive, discussed the prospective sale of the club at the end of another dramatic week.
In doing so, he said he believed it was important to “acknowledge the steadfast commitment of Moshiri to ensure the future of Everton is bright”.
The news that Blue Heaven Holdings, the vehicle through which the British-Iranian businessman controls the club, had reached an agreement with the Friedkin Group was announced on Monday.
It is not the first time a takeover bid has reached an advanced stage during Moshiri’s two-year search for an exit, but there is genuine confidence this latest deal will overcome the regulatory and legal challenges before it.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Everton’s win over Crystal Palace, Chong said “there will be no immediate change to the leadership structure of the club” while the Friedkin Group undergoes scrutiny from the Premier League, Football Association and Financial Conduct Authority.
He said there would be no further comment until the conclusion of that process but added: “I can assure all fans, though, we will be working diligently to support the regulatory process to ensure, when concluded, the transition will be smooth.”
And he finished with reference to Moshiri and his role at the club, writing: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues across every area of the club for their hard work in challenging circumstances over the past 18 months.
