Hertha Berlin fans hold up banners in opposition to owners 777 Partners telling controversial firm ‘the only thing we assure you of is our disapproval’ – after the group agreed £500m deal to take over Everton
- Everton have confirmed that 777 have agreed to take over 94.1 percent of the squad
- Controversial company own Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, whose fans ‘disapprove’
- Potential owners have denied allegations of fraud and illegal loans, among other things
Everton have confirmed that 777 Partners have agreed a deal to acquire a 94.1 percent controlling stake in the football club.
Farhad Moshiri has now agreed to sell the club to the controversial American firm, led by Josh Wander.
Josh Wander, a representative of 777 Partners, has faced criticism for his background in the insurance industry and the perception that the ownership group could put profits ahead of the club’s identity and traditions.
A message from Hertha Berlin fans has made it abundantly clear that they expect their club’s heritage and values to be preserved at all costs.
Everton News Feed posted on X – formerly Twitter – shows Hertha Berlin’s disapproval of 777 Partners:
A message from Hertha Berlin fans has made it abundantly clear that they disapprove of the 777
The sign read: ‘Wander: Insurance for football fans? Our investments are called identity and participation. Josh Wander, the only thing we can assure you is our disapproval of you!”
The American investment company was founded by Steven Pasko and Josh Wander (photo)
Farhad Moshiri has agreed to sell Everton to 777 Partners, who will acquire a 94.1 percent stake
The tweet read: Hertha Berlin fans with a message to Josh Wander and 777 Partners
‘Wander: Insurance for football fans? Our investments are called identity and participation. Josh Wander, the only thing we can assure you is our disapproval of you!”
Based in Miami, 777 Partners was founded in 2015 by Steven Pasko and Josh Wander following a management buyout from SuttonPark Capital. The private American investment company wants to provide the companies with growth capital.
They have a wide range of investments including sports, insurance and entertainment. The company is worth £8 billion and has invested in a number of football clubs around the world.
The Toffees join Bundesligas Hertha Berlin, Genoa in Serie A and Standard Liège in the Belgian Pro League as part of 777’s wider investments. The Miami-based owners also have stakes in Brazilian club Vasco de Gama.
777 Partners have received a lot of negativity as many of the clubs under their ownership have struggled since their takeovers.
Standard Liege fans have protested against the ownership of the 777 during matches in Belgium this season, while Genoa announced the issuance of a bond aimed at raising £4 million for the club.
Since their takeovers, the company has faced a lot of negativity as many clubs have struggled despite the change of ownership.
Everton have had a difficult start to the new season and have only picked up one point so far. They managed to avoid relegation last season, but Sean Dyche’s team continues to struggle
777 made much of their money from payday loans and invested in low-cost airlines and sports
Wander’s suitability to become a director of a Premier League club will also be assessed, with government sources even expressing concern over the alleged activities of his companies.
His no contest plea to three drug offenses from 20 years ago is unlikely to be a disqualifying factor, but the Premier League could also look at the numerous allegations made in the US courts against 777 and its affiliates.