David Dein Advocates for Everton’s 777 Takeover, Further 'New Deal' Disputes – The Business of Football

In the ongoing saga of Everton's acquisition by 777, David Dein, former vice-chairman of Arsenal, remains actively engaged in seeking updates from the Premier League amidst the 12-week approval process. However, his involvement raises some eyebrows given his history with Everton's current owners.

Farhad Moshiri, Everton's existing owner, was previously recommended by Dein for his role, yet Moshiri's tenure has been marked by significant financial losses and sporting disappointments. Despite Moshiri's endorsement of 777 as the ideal partner for Everton's future, regulatory approval for the takeover is still pending.

Dein's association with Everton dates back to the late 1980s, fostering relationships with key figures like Sir Philip Carter and Bill Kenwright. However, concerns arise due to Dein's prior financial ties with Moshiri and Alisher Usmanov, who acquired his stake in Arsenal in 2007, leading to Dein's departure from the club's board.

While Dein's reputation as a prominent figure in English football remains intact, recent developments within 777, including staff departures and financial issues at subsidiary clubs like Standard Liege, cast shadows over the proposed takeover.

In parallel to Everton's takeover saga, discussions surrounding the "new deal for football" persist between the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL). However, a recent conference call led by Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, highlighted ongoing uncertainties.

Frazer's assertion of a generous offer from the Premier League to the EFL contradicts the absence of a formal proposal, emphasizing internal divisions within the Premier League regarding cost controls and funding for the EFL. Moreover, Frazer's suggestion of a regulatory intervention without power to amend proposed agreements received criticism from EFL clubs.

As discussions on football governance continue, attention turns to potential candidates for the role of an independent regulator. Speculation includes figures from political, regulatory, and football executive backgrounds, highlighting the complexity of establishing effective oversight in English football.

Against this backdrop, recent events at clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Torquay United, and Rochdale underscore the urgent need for financial restructuring and support mechanisms within the football ecosystem. Without significant reforms, the sustainability of clubs across various tiers remains precarious, necessitating broader reforms beyond individual takeovers or regulatory interventions.