Fan group wants 777 bid dismissed

Everton's Fan Advisory Board has called for the Premier League to dismiss 777 Partners takeover bid and to "allow discussions with more suitable owners" to take place.

Miami-based investment firm 777 agreed to buy majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri's 94% stake in the club in September, but the deal remains in limbo as it is yet to be ratified by the Premier League.

The Fan Advisory Board has today stated the "ongoing confusion and lack of transparency cannot continue" and have demanded Moshiri to be open to new bidders for the club.

The statement says: "Each party must recognise the role it is playing in sullying the reputation of one of the most storied clubs in English football history and appreciate that all the rumour and speculation is causing extremely high levels of anxiety and concern to the club’s greatest assets: their fans."

They go on to call 777 "unsuitable owners," who are causing "growing reputational damage" to the club, as it is still not known whether they will pass the owners' and directors' test.

The Fan Advisory Board have also requested an emergency meeting with the club to express their concerns and seek clarification on behalf of supporters. This is in addition to the scheduled meeting with Moshiri that will take place towards the end of May.