Football's Magic Money Tree

[Chester Perry]

As Martin Samuel riles once more against FFP/PSR this time in favour of Leicester he seems to forget that this is potentially the 3rd consecutive promotion to the Premier League made by Leicester that has involved financial shenanigans. It is certainly the third time that the EFL has had to change its rules so that Leicester's antics cannot be repeated.

from The Times

Leicester City doomed to fail under Premier League’s warped logic
Club who gave top flight one of its greatest stories in 2015-16 could be down before they’re up if handed a points deduction for the ‘crime’ of having ambition
https://archive.ph/PLO3k

[Chester Perry]

the high level subject matter of this 16th article from Philippe Auclair and Paul Brown on the proposed 777 Partners takeover of Everton, is one I have been waiting for since the deal was announced.

from Josimar Football

The Russian connection
777 Partners has done business with a Russian oligarch, and one of its founding members has links with another. Both oligarchs have long been accused of having close ties with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, and are the subject of sanctions.
https://josimarfootball.com/2024/03/13/ ... onnection/
https://archive.ph/F9fhm

[elwaclaret]

the high level subject matter of this 16th article from Philippe Auclair and Paul Brown on the proposed 777 Partners takeover of Everton, is one I have been waiting for since the deal was announced.

from Josimar Football

The Russian connection
777 Partners has done business with a Russian oligarch, and one of its founding members has links with another. Both oligarchs have long been accused of having close ties with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, and are the subject of sanctions.
https://josimarfootball.com/2024/03/13/ ... onnection/
https://archive.ph/F9fhm

Thought the Russian money issue at Everton had been brushed under the carpet first time. Surely they will not get away with another link up.

[Chester Perry]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... om-elliott

More private equity and American ownership in football. AC Milan taken over by Redbird Capital for around $1.3bn.

It never rains but it pours on the business side of Italian football - though both sides of this deal are American, of course Elliot had problems with their interest in Lille and their arguments with Gérard López, not to mention they were very noisy in offering finance to anybody who wanted to buy Manchester United - which is how they ended up owning AC Milan and a significant portion of Lille.

from The Financial Times

Police raid AC Milan headquarters in probe over sale of football club
Investigation into potential irregularities over 2022 deal between Elliott Management and private equity group RedBird
https://archive.ph/6t1kq

[Chester Perry]

Thought the Russian money issue at Everton had been brushed under the carpet first time. Surely they will not get away with another link up.

I am still expecting a link back to Alisher Usmanov at some point in these investigations - nothing to base that upon, it just seems so apparent that Usmanov had and wants to retain control of Everton

[Chester Perry]

something to raise a smile

from The Telegraph

The Super League is dead – thanks to Denmark
European Union concluded breakaway league must find a new name after Danish top-flight trademarked the Super League brand
https://archive.ph/Z8I69

That said with the ECJ having made its judgement back in December - following a request from a Madrid Court, which is due to return to preside over its own Super League case tomorrow. though it is being reported abroad that some Premier League clubs have not got the memo re participation

English clubs have held talks with Super League since December ruling – A22
English football’s ‘Big Six’ were founder members of the original Super League project in April 2021 but quickly withdrew.
https://www.beinsports.com/en-au/footba ... 2024-03-11

[Chester Perry]

It can be argued that Liverpool are already part of a multi-club approach - Redbird Capital who have a 10% stake in FSG own AC Milan (though that takeover is currently under investigation by the Italian authorities), but now it seems that they are intent on doing it for real. The game has gone to pot when clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United feel that they have to do this to remain competitive. Just what hope have smaller clubs got?

from The Athletic

Why is FSG pursuing a multi-club model and what’s in it for Liverpool?
https://archive.ph/9w6YI

[Chester Perry]

With the Premier League clubs failing to reach an agreement on funding to support EFL clubs there is an awful lot of expectation falling on the prospective Independent Regulator for Football and despite the noise from within government and parliaments as well as the media, I cannot help but wonder just exactly how much legal weight a forced revenue share of this nature would actually have, patyicularly given that the EFL actually turned down such a deal when offered to them by Rick Parry (then of the Premier League) around 30 years ago. Oh the hubris of those times. Still it is the only hope that the EFL have of an uplift at the moment.

from The Guardian

EFL looks to independent regulator to break Premier League impasse
Board said it is ‘more important than ever’ to force through deal
EFL ‘disappointed at [clubs’] failure to put forward new offer’
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... ue-impasse
https://archive.ph/QQq1T

[Chester Perry]

Having had a lengthy meeting with 777 Partners last week, it appears that the Premier League are readying themselves to pass judgement on the their proposed takeover over Everton next week

from The Guardian

Premier League set to rule on 777 Partners’ Everton takeover next week
Club’s financial future could be in jeopardy if takeover rejected
League’s board has all information and will make decision
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... -next-week
https://archive.ph/fUy0B

[Chester Perry]

With the Premier League clubs failing to reach an agreement on funding to support EFL clubs there is an awful lot of expectation falling on the prospective Independent Regulator for Football and despite the noise from within government and parliaments as well as the media, I cannot help but wonder just exactly how much legal weight a forced revenue share of this nature would actually have, patyicularly given that the EFL actually turned down such a deal when offered to them by Rick Parry (then of the Premier League) around 30 years ago. Oh the hubris of those times. Still it is the only hope that the EFL have of an uplift at the moment.

from The Guardian

EFL looks to independent regulator to break Premier League impasse
Board said it is ‘more important than ever’ to force through deal
EFL ‘disappointed at [clubs’] failure to put forward new offer’
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... ue-impasse
https://archive.ph/QQq1T

It looks like the bill for an Independent Regulator for Football will be put to parliament before any general elections is called - though there is still time for the conservatives to develop another crisis to force that particular event - and with both main parties wanting it done at the cost of making it an election issue it could actually happen. though I think rushing this will just be another flaw to add to the list that I believe has dogged this process from the beginning

from The Athletic

Labour Party threatens to make football regulator ‘election issue’ amid UK government delay
https://archive.ph/kxh7Z

[Chester Perry]

the high level subject matter of this 16th article from Philippe Auclair and Paul Brown on the proposed 777 Partners takeover of Everton, is one I have been waiting for since the deal was announced.

from Josimar Football

The Russian connection
777 Partners has done business with a Russian oligarch, and one of its founding members has links with another. Both oligarchs have long been accused of having close ties with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, and are the subject of sanctions.
https://josimarfootball.com/2024/03/13/ ... onnection/
https://archive.ph/F9fhm

Earlier this week, following the publication of the above TheEsk urged the Premier League

https://twitter.com/theesk/status/17676 ... -league%2F

the esk
@theesk
So that's the Wahington Post, New York Times, The London Times, Bloomberg, Financial Times, numerous articles by Josimar, investigative journalists & me, all reporting major concerns & regulatory investigations into 777 Partners. How much more evidence is required for Moshiri &
@premierleague
to pull the plug?

of course if the Premier League do what he wants that presents more financial issues for Everton - even Kieran Maguire was speculating yesterday on The Price of Football podcast that Everton may be weighing up when it would be safe to go into administration and still avoid relegation.

here The Esk looks at whether administration really is an option for Everton

The crisis created by Moshiri deepens – is administration an option?
https://theesk.org/2024/03/14/the-crisi ... an-option/
https://archive.ph/2HAf4

[bfcjg]

Having read yhe reports on Everton and 777 if I was an Evertonian I would be very worried indeed.

[summitclaret]

Bloody hell.

[Chester Perry]

Bloody hell.

Sorry, but I cannot help wondering if that is about the contents of the thread as a whole or is it just the Everton situation.

It is fair to say that Football is one unholy mess these days

[Chester Perry]

Over the next 3 summers North America is to play host to three significant men's football competitions, No longer is it just Europe's biggest leagues and clubs (along with Wrexham) that see America as a cash cow that still has much more to give, everyone seems to want it - the key is can the MLS find growth from this spotlight

from The Athletic

MLS’s Don Garber on World Cup and why U.S. is ‘the ATM of the soccer world’
https://archive.ph/heZFy

[Chester Perry]

I have to say that I am surprised that the cost of failure (in relative terms) is so little - perhaps Ed Woodward was right, Manchester United do not need success to make money - the real loss of course is in those all import UEFA payments (including coefficients) and increaseded ticket prices

from The Times

Manchester United will lose £10m for missing out on Champions League
Clause is part of the Premier League club’s new £90 million-a-year kit deal with Adidas, which will come into force from next year
https://archive.ph/Q0bnF

[Chester Perry]

So here is something that I can see catching on quickly - Tottenham have announced that they are phasing out Senior Concessions in season tickets from the season after next, no new ones will be sold, even to longstanding season ticket holders who would have normally become entitled - here Martin Cloake uses The Football Fan blog to rail against the decision.

Sorry we’re not dead yet
Tottenham Hotspur have a problem. Not enough of their longstanding fans are dying.
https://martincloake.substack.com/p/sor ... t-dead-yet
https://archive.ph/T4CjZ

The changes in ticketing policy and price banding at English top flight football clubs has been accelerating in recent times, most of it has been telegraphed for some time yet it still catches people by surprise, greater emphasis needs to be placed on pre-empting such moves from our clubs rather than reacting when such initiatives are announced - as I have been arguing for years fan culture needs to be organised and joined up, it is the only way to put an end to this trend

from The Mail

EXCLUSIVE Man United's new attendance policy at Old Trafford is slammed by ANOTHER protest group... as fans claim the 'draconian' plans will lead to a 'bloodbath for season ticket holders'
The club are booting a number of supporters out of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand
Another rule coming into force next season has been described as 'draconian'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footb ... group.html
https://archive.ph/Z4k2a

from The Telegraph

Ange Postecoglou defends ‘plastic’ Tottenham fans as anger grows about ticket price hikes
Manager defends ‘tourist fans’ as supporters’ trust writes to Premier League amid fears that traditional local fans are being priced out
https://archive.ph/UeWdV

[Chester Perry]

Football has become full of 'Finance bro's' who think they know better than anyone else with their unique approach - yet they wear the same uniform and pursue the same models - where is the differentiation promised where is the uniqueness?

It appears that 777 Partners approach to football is little different to that of ALK/VSL or many others

from The Evening Standard

Controversial Everton bidder 777 Partners sees owning football club as way to snap up sportstech bargains
The controversial investment firm sees owning football clubs as a way to identify underpriced buyout targets in the sports tech sector, the Standard can reveal
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/eve ... 45653.html
https://archive.ph/Zg2Az

[Chester Perry]

Meanwhile over in Belgium being part of 777 Partners stable of Football clubs is not a happy experience, this is the latest in many such stories about Standard Liege

translated by google from RTE

777 Partners, late salaries, economic project: the CEO of Standard speaks about the financial situation of the club
https://www-rtl-be.translate.goog/sport ... r_pto=wapp

[Chester Perry]

Over at 777 Partners stablemates (the holding is a minority share paid for with a loan - natch) Sevilla there is hope that a new financing agreement will help them to finally develop some stability

from Inside World Football, though first reported by SportsBusiness.com

Sevilla raise €108m as it puts covid losses in rear view and looks to keep up with Europe’s elite
https://www.insideworldfootball.com/202 ... pes-elite/
https://archive.ph/0rPQ2

[Chester Perry]

Another rant by Martin Samuel about a new iteration of FFP - which he wedges is obsession with Mbappe (a phenomenal talent who has not shown himself to be a great team performer, which is crucial in the Premier League) and an element that has not been talked of much - Anchoring - where the big clubs squad costs are linked to a multiple of the smallest squad cost for a club in the Premier League - think Luton this season and say Manchester City or Manchester United spend on wages and amortisation.

Samuel actually misses an important point here - it is in the interest of the big clubs that the small clubs spend more (just so they can compete in Europe with the continents big boys) that means that they would have to guarantee the small clubs more money from TV rights and crucially parachute payments, more than ever it is the big clubs interests to have a pool of 24 to 26 or so clubs that are a regular part of the Premier League - you see it in the rules they want to foist on the EFL. What has not been mentioned yet is the desire held by the big 6, UEFA and FIFA, is that all top leagues are limited to a maximum of 18 teams - think about all these things combined.

from The Times

Forget signing Mbappé – clubs could be held back by league’s new brainwave
Potential introduction of anchoring would mean transfers are dictated by clubs with lowest broadcast revenue, putting the likes of Kylian Mbappé out of reach
https://archive.ph/ATvML

[Chester Perry]

The changes in ticketing policy and price banding at English top flight football clubs has been accelerating in recent times, most of it has been telegraphed for some time yet it still catches people by surprise, greater emphasis needs to be placed on pre-empting such moves from our clubs rather than reacting when such initiatives are announced - as I have been arguing for years fan culture needs to be organised and joined up, it is the only way to put an end to this trend

from The Mail

EXCLUSIVE Man United's new attendance policy at Old Trafford is slammed by ANOTHER protest group... as fans claim the 'draconian' plans will lead to a 'bloodbath for season ticket holders'
The club are booting a number of supporters out of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand
Another rule coming into force next season has been described as 'draconian'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footb ... group.html
https://archive.ph/Z4k2a

from The Telegraph

Ange Postecoglou defends ‘plastic’ Tottenham fans as anger grows about ticket price hikes
Manager defends ‘tourist fans’ as supporters’ trust writes to Premier League amid fears that traditional local fans are being priced out
https://archive.ph/UeWdV

So this is an important consideration when assessing Manchester United's demand that season ticket holders attend at least 17 of the 19 Premier League games next season

from The Times

How can fans plan their lives when fixture list is this chaotic?
With an unconfirmed schedule due to clubs’ involvement across various competitions, there remains the risk of us being stuck in churches and theatres, glued to our phones for updates
https://archive.ph/27A7o

[Chester Perry]

As Martin Samuel riles once more against FFP/PSR this time in favour of Leicester he seems to forget that this is potentially the 3rd consecutive promotion to the Premier League made by Leicester that has involved financial shenanigans. It is certainly the third time that the EFL has had to change its rules so that Leicester's antics cannot be repeated.

from The Times

Leicester City doomed to fail under Premier League’s warped logic
Club who gave top flight one of its greatest stories in 2015-16 could be down before they’re up if handed a points deduction for the ‘crime’ of having ambition
https://archive.ph/PLO3k

Am I the only one who thinks that Leicester are getting too much sympathetic press, for overstretching, particularly as there is no mention of their past history of dodging the consequences of their extravagances

from the Guardian

Leicester’s financial plight shaped by aftermath of FA Cup triumph
Championship leaders face Chelsea on Sunday with threat of potential points deduction looming after costly missteps
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... p-football
https://archive.ph/MibAO

[Chester Perry]

Meanwhile over in Belgium being part of 777 Partners stable of Football clubs is not a happy experience, this is the latest in many such stories about Standard Liege

translated by google from RTE

777 Partners, late salaries, economic project: the CEO of Standard speaks about the financial situation of the club
https://www-rtl-be.translate.goog/sport ... r_pto=wapp

It appears that not only are 777 Partners late in their promised financial support of Standard Liege, they are also late in paying for their shares according to a tweet from Sacha Tavolieri

https://twitter.com/sachatavolieri/stat ... 9038039460

it translates as

The shadow of Bruno Venanzi still lurks around Sclessin... While the former owner of the #Standard had sold his shares to 777 Partners in March 2022, the American investment fund would still not have honored a significant part of the payment due to the Liège businessman whose ambition today would be to take steps to recover the percentage of capital equivalent to the sum (still) unpaid by 777 Partners as stipulated in a clause included in the club's sales contract according to several consistent sources.

In this dynamic, the Liège investor met various local investors well known in the Liège microcosm but that's not all, he also met several times in recent months a Russian, Sergeï Lomakin. This entrepreneur who made his fortune in the Russian 'Walmart' called "Fix Price" (whose fortune is valued at $1.7 billion) was the person initially chosen by Bruno Venanzi to buy the Liège club. This was prevented by public and state institutions in the current geopolitical context. Only then did the track Chayka arrive, then #777Partners.

There is therefore a clear reflection from the former boss of #RSCL whose desire and hope is to one day return to Sclessin. It remains to be seen in what role?

[bfcjg]

777 would appear to be on the brink of collapse, Everton should be really worried.

[Chester Perry]

It appears that not only are 777 Partners late in their promised financial support of Standard Liege, they are also late in paying for their shares according to a tweet from Sacha Tavolieri

https://twitter.com/sachatavolieri/stat ... 9038039460

it translates as

The shadow of Bruno Venanzi still lurks around Sclessin... While the former owner of the #Standard had sold his shares to 777 Partners in March 2022, the American investment fund would still not have honored a significant part of the payment due to the Liège businessman whose ambition today would be to take steps to recover the percentage of capital equivalent to the sum (still) unpaid by 777 Partners as stipulated in a clause included in the club's sales contract according to several consistent sources.

In this dynamic, the Liège investor met various local investors well known in the Liège microcosm but that's not all, he also met several times in recent months a Russian, Sergeï Lomakin. This entrepreneur who made his fortune in the Russian 'Walmart' called "Fix Price" (whose fortune is valued at $1.7 billion) was the person initially chosen by Bruno Venanzi to buy the Liège club. This was prevented by public and state institutions in the current geopolitical context. Only then did the track Chayka arrive, then #777Partners.

There is therefore a clear reflection from the former boss of #RSCL whose desire and hope is to one day return to Sclessin. It remains to be seen in what role?

If that claw back sounds familiar, it is, Mike Garlick and John Banaszkiewicz could have used the same clause in April 2022, but they didn't want too. Word is that they gave up the potential for a very significant amount of money in choosing that option, though it did enable to rake in an overall huge sum for their shareholding.

[Chester Perry]

777 would appear to be on the brink of collapse, Everton should be really worried.

If there were not worried before I don't see how this would change things

[Chester Perry]

I think there is too much partisan hyperbole in this which tends to hide some key points for non Evertonian's to support, though I do like the Noam Chomsky quote that leads it

TheEsk lets fly at Moshiri, the old Kenwright led board, 777 Partners and, of course, The Premier League

Accountability and role of Moshiri and we, the fans – Everton’s last defence
https://theesk.org/2024/03/17/accountab ... t-defence/
https://archive.ph/d9cbU

[Chester Perry]

In a number of different this interview with Gerard Pique is both interesting and depressing - he says he wants to be President of Barcelona at some point in the future )he has the money to back up such a bid) though he also sounds fully on track with the worries of Joan Laporta, Florentino Perez and Andrea Agnelli (remember him) when it comes to the trends of the next generation and future football supporters

from The Times

Gerard Piqué: Football is competing with TikTok – it has to adapt
Outlaw draws and bring in 40-minute games? The outspoken Barcelona legend says football must adapt to shortening attention spans – and stop sapping its stars of their personalities
https://archive.ph/BWzOX

[Chester Perry]

A piece on how FFP/PSR rules are affecting the Premier League

from The Athletic

The season of asterisks – PSR rulings have created a Premier League campaign like no other
https://archive.ph/dgazH

[Goddy]

Hi Chester,

I've read your postings with interest over the weeks, months, even years(??!!) - many thanks for all your efforts - and just wondering what your feelings with you having followed the money (so to speak) for so long. If I may, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the following;

1. What are the potential outcomes for Everton (given the FFP issues, the 777 issues, the new stadium issues etc). Which of any potential outcomes would you see as the most likely to play out?
2. Forest - what do you see as the outcome here. 4 points deduction which sticks; 6 points deduction (which is challenged and perhaps reduced on appeal), higher points deductions or, even, no points deductions!
3. Man City - potential outcomes here and which is the likeliest of those potential outcomes as well as when anything might happen
4. Chelsea - potential outcomes here and which is the likeliest of those potential outcomes as well as when anything might happen

Apologies for the questions. I suspect you can probably give a 1000 word (and more) answer to each! I think you have a better handle on the current situation in each of these cases along with a good understanding of how the authorities are also feeling (about potential punishments).

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts

[Chester Perry]

It looks like the bill for an Independent Regulator for Football will be put to parliament before any general elections is called - though there is still time for the conservatives to develop another crisis to force that particular event - and with both main parties wanting it done at the cost of making it an election issue it could actually happen. though I think rushing this will just be another flaw to add to the list that I believe has dogged this process from the beginning

from The Athletic

Labour Party threatens to make football regulator ‘election issue’ amid UK government delay
https://archive.ph/kxh7Z

well it seems that things are being accelerated with the new bill seemingly to be presented this week. possibly even as soon as tomorrow

from The Telegraph

Football Governance Bill to be published this week as patience with Premier League snaps
Top-tier clubs’ failure to agree on a new support package for the football pyramid has accelerated the Government’s plans for reform
https://archive.ph/NA9UI#selection-2605.4-2609.136

[Chester Perry]

Hi Chester,

I've read your postings with interest over the weeks, months, even years(??!!) - many thanks for all your efforts - and just wondering what your feelings with you having followed the money (so to speak) for so long. If I may, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the following;

1. What are the potential outcomes for Everton (given the FFP issues, the 777 issues, the new stadium issues etc). Which of any potential outcomes would you see as the most likely to play out?
2. Forest - what do you see as the outcome here. 4 points deduction which sticks; 6 points deduction (which is challenged and perhaps reduced on appeal), higher points deductions or, even, no points deductions!
3. Man City - potential outcomes here and which is the likeliest of those potential outcomes as well as when anything might happen
4. Chelsea - potential outcomes here and which is the likeliest of those potential outcomes as well as when anything might happen

Apologies for the questions. I suspect you can probably give a 1000 word (and more) answer to each! I think you have a better handle on the current situation in each of these cases along with a good understanding of how the authorities are also feeling (about potential punishments).

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts

well that is some heavy stuff - I am quite busy at the moment, so you may have to wait a bit for detail.

I will say am not surprised by the Nottingham Forest decision, Everton had multiple charges, including questionable interpretations of the rules and contested the charges until the last minute. Things may have been different if the Premier League clubs had cleared the proposed penalties put before the clubs in the summer, but the clubs would not agree.

[Chester Perry]

well it seems that things are being accelerated with the new bill seemingly to be presented this week. possibly even as soon as tomorrow

from The Telegraph

Football Governance Bill to be published this week as patience with Premier League snaps
Top-tier clubs’ failure to agree on a new support package for the football pyramid has accelerated the Government’s plans for reform
https://archive.ph/NA9UI#selection-2605.4-2609.136

It appears that the new bill will be presented tomorrow and will include a rule preventing clubs from joining a breakaway league - so no Premier League 2 then, not sure how it works with a Super League type approach because those clubs still wanted to be a part of the Premier League as well

from The Guardian

English football regulator close as government confirms ‘historic’ bill
Football governance bill to be published on Tuesday
Prime minister: bill will ‘prevent a breakaway league’
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... toric-bill
https://archive.ph/HvRSB

[Chester Perry]

It appears that the new bill will be presented tomorrow and will include a rule preventing clubs from joining a breakaway league - so no Premier League 2 then, not sure how it works with a Super League type approach because those clubs still wanted to be a part of the Premier League as well

from The Guardian

English football regulator close as government confirms ‘historic’ bill
Football governance bill to be published on Tuesday
Prime minister: bill will ‘prevent a breakaway league’
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... toric-bill
https://archive.ph/HvRSB

Anyone who holds hopes for a strong and influential regulator may be in for a surprise, after all if the approach is similar to that of the Gambling Commission then there are likely to disappointments, that body has not been greatly effective in a number of areas, with the huge presence in football of 'white label ' betting sponsors being at the forefront of my thinking

from The Guardian

Football Governance Bill reveals extent of English regulator’s proposed powers
IFR could access real-time financial information from clubs
Detail still to be decided and potentially amended by MPs
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... sed-powers
https://archive.ph/JADvo

[Vegas Claret]

Chester, do you ever watch any of the Stefan Borson stuff on talksport (and elsewhere) ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdMi1OAdCVY

Interested what you think of him

[Chester Perry]

Chester, do you ever watch any of the Stefan Borson stuff on talksport (and elsewhere) ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdMi1OAdCVY

Interested what you think of him

I do not know much about him, but in the bit I saw of that clip you liked (I will not watch anything on youtube with so many adverts) he talks it straight down the line and appears to be of the same opinion as myself.

Forest's statement yesterday was deliberately structured to weaponise the fanbase, anyone who knows the rules and understands the process know that Forest have got off very lightly - and i would be very surprised if they appeal - not doing so will be used by them as being the good guys who want the best for football - effectively it has become a PR exercise to divert attention from their wrongdoing and the belligerence of a wealthy man who hates it when he doesn't get his own way.

Of course Forest did indeed go bonkers last season, they budgeted to finish 13th in a league they have not played in for over 2 decades and following a promotion they claim they did not expect (yet paid £ m in promotion bonuses) and turned down sponsors because they grossly over-valued their shirt (wanting the same as Everton a Premier League ever present.

what nobody seems to mention is that these penalties are for last season, if Forest had been docked the points last season then Leeds United would have had their place in the Premier League.

[Chester Perry]

the high level subject matter of this 16th article from Philippe Auclair and Paul Brown on the proposed 777 Partners takeover of Everton, is one I have been waiting for since the deal was announced.
yet another legal case against 777 Partners/Josh )"I get sued a lot" Wander

from Josimar Football

The Russian connection
777 Partners has done business with a Russian oligarch, and one of its founding members has links with another. Both oligarchs have long been accused of having close ties with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, and are the subject of sanctions.
https://josimarfootball.com/2024/03/13/ ... onnection/
https://archive.ph/F9fhm

Article no 17 from Philippe Auclair and Paul Brown about 777 Partners and their prospective takeover of Everton

from Josimar Football

More legal woes incoming
As Josh Wander and 777 Partners continue to wait on Premier League approval for their proposed takeover of Everton, new legal papers filed in Florida reveal Russian oligarch Oleg Boyko is seeking a restraining order against them in a case referencing the club.
https://josimarfootball.com/2024/03/19/ ... -incoming/
https://archive.ph/EXJW4

[Vegas Claret]

I do not know much about him, but in the bit I saw of that clip you liked (I will not watch anything on youtube with so many adverts) he talks it straight down the line and appears to be of the same opinion as myself.

Forest's statement yesterday was deliberately structured to weaponise the fanbase, anyone who knows the rules and understands the process know that Forest have got off very lightly - and i would be very surprised if they appeal - not doing so will be used by them as being the good guys who want the best for football - effectively it has become a PR exercise to divert attention from their wrongdoing and the belligerence of a wealthy man who hates it when he doesn't get his own way.

Of course Forest did indeed go bonkers last season, they budgeted to finish 13th in a league they have not played in for over 2 decades and following a promotion they claim they did not expect (yet paid £ m in promotion bonuses) and turned down sponsors because they grossly over-valued their shirt (wanting the same as Everton a Premier League ever present.

what nobody seems to mention is that these penalties are for last season, if Forest had been docked the points last season then Leeds United would have had their place in the Premier League.

yeah I use adblockers to stop the adverts, Ublock origin is the best so far (free). I think you will agree with the majority of things he says, seems a VERY knowledgeable chap

[Chester Perry]

Another rant by Martin Samuel about a new iteration of FFP - which he wedges is obsession with Mbappe (a phenomenal talent who has not shown himself to be a great team performer, which is crucial in the Premier League) and an element that has not been talked of much - Anchoring - where the big clubs squad costs are linked to a multiple of the smallest squad cost for a club in the Premier League - think Luton this season and say Manchester City or Manchester United spend on wages and amortisation.

Samuel actually misses an important point here - it is in the interest of the big clubs that the small clubs spend more (just so they can compete in Europe with the continents big boys) that means that they would have to guarantee the small clubs more money from TV rights and crucially parachute payments, more than ever it is the big clubs interests to have a pool of 24 to 26 or so clubs that are a regular part of the Premier League - you see it in the rules they want to foist on the EFL. What has not been mentioned yet is the desire held by the big 6, UEFA and FIFA, is that all top leagues are limited to a maximum of 18 teams - think about all these things combined.

from The Times

Forget signing Mbappé – clubs could be held back by league’s new brainwave
Potential introduction of anchoring would mean transfers are dictated by clubs with lowest broadcast revenue, putting the likes of Kylian Mbappé out of reach
https://archive.ph/ATvML

A new and lengthy article from Martin Samuels about the anchoring proposal to sit alongside the Squad Cost Ratio version of FFP. Samuel is right about it giving the opportunity for the owners of the biggest clubs the opportunity to finally make some profit via dividends (that could also raise the equity value of those clubs too) but he is still forgetting those pesky European Institutions like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich, even Juventus - they will still be wanting continental and global glory - the spending will still increase and therefore the Premier League behemoths will also want to spend more to compete, so the small clubs in the Premier League will have to be given more revenue - though that could be difficult for the EFL and indeed the Independent Regulator for Football if the backstop is applied.

from The Times

Every owner gets to be the Glazers once anchoring takes hold
New rule will relegate real football to the margins and the league table could look like a physics teacher’s blackboard — but they will be welcomed in club boardrooms
https://archive.ph/OpYyR

[Chester Perry]

Unofficial Partner have started a new series looking at Saudi investment in sport - as always it is good, the first episode can be heard now - fascinating stuff

UP381 The Saudi Question, pt1
https://www.unofficialpartner.com/podca ... estion-pt1

the blurb

nofficial Partner|3/19/2024
The Saudi Question permeates the global sports business conversation from top to bottom. Billions of pounds has been across multiple layers of the industry, including buying players, purchasing foreign clubs, developing domestic clubs and buying or developing tournaments at home and abroad.

These deals have been pursued by the government itself, the PIF sovereign wealth fund, and Saudi Aramco, the oil firm that is the world’s most profitable company. The scope is enormous, with at least $10bn spent across half a dozen major sports.

So this is the first of a series of podcasts in which we look at the issues arising from this megatrend, exploring the arguments on each side.

Our guests today help set the scene. They are experts in the field of international relations, geopolitics and business ethics.

Robert Barrington is Professor of Anti-Corruption Practice at the Centre for the Study of Corruption in the University of Sussex. He was formerly the head of Transparency International (TI) in the UK, the world’s leading NGO in this area, and chair of TI's International Council.

Dan Hough is Professor of Politics at the University of Sussex School of Law, Politics and Sociology.

[Chester Perry]

S&P Global take a lengthy and detailed look at the rapidly changing and growing asset class of sports investment

Sports ownership shifts from trophy asset to lucrative investment
https://www.spglobal.com/marketintellig ... investment
https://archive.ph/q7H1F

[Chester Perry]

S&P Global take a lengthy and detailed look at the rapidly changing and growing asset class of sports investment

Sports ownership shifts from trophy asset to lucrative investment
https://www.spglobal.com/marketintellig ... investment
https://archive.ph/q7H1F

The change in approach that these new investors in 'Sports Assets' are bringing, is not going down well with some fans

from The Telegraph

Chelsea directors accused of ‘making club a laughing stock’
Correspondence exposes frank debate between chief executive Chris Jurasek and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust
https://archive.ph/XGk7W

[Chester Perry]

The changes in ticketing policy and price banding at English top flight football clubs has been accelerating in recent times, most of it has been telegraphed for some time yet it still catches people by surprise, greater emphasis needs to be placed on pre-empting such moves from our clubs rather than reacting when such initiatives are announced - as I have been arguing for years fan culture needs to be organised and joined up, it is the only way to put an end to this trend

from The Mail

EXCLUSIVE Man United's new attendance policy at Old Trafford is slammed by ANOTHER protest group... as fans claim the 'draconian' plans will lead to a 'bloodbath for season ticket holders'
The club are booting a number of supporters out of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand
Another rule coming into force next season has been described as 'draconian'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footb ... group.html
https://archive.ph/Z4k2a

from The Telegraph

Ange Postecoglou defends ‘plastic’ Tottenham fans as anger grows about ticket price hikes
Manager defends ‘tourist fans’ as supporters’ trust writes to Premier League amid fears that traditional local fans are being priced out
https://archive.ph/UeWdV

So this is a theme that is rapidly developing (though i have been posting about for some time - Jonatan Liew takes his turn

from The Guardian

The cultural division of football fans only serves those who wish to exploit it
The battle between ‘true fans’ and ‘plastics’ weakens the ties between supporters and their inclination to unite and organise
https://www.theguardian.com/football/bl ... s-plastics
https://archive.ph/2naDX

that article is referenced here by Martin Cloake in the latest from his blog The Football Fan, he thinks these issues are a distraction from the core issue of genuine fan engagement, which may or may not get appropriate description from the new Independent Regulator for Football

Tourist rap
The idea of what it means to be a fan is up for grabs again - but it's a debate that distracts from the real issues in football.
https://martincloake.substack.com/p/tourist-rap

at the end of the above Martin suggests that we should read an interesting academic article that covers some of these issues, using fan response to the Super League announcement as its base of argument. I have linked it below for those of you who may be interested - there is also a facility to download a PDF of it for those who wish too

The moral economy of the English football crowd: The European Super League and the contingency of football fan activism
Daniel Fitzpatrick
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/1 ... 8241232375

[Chester Perry]

I always find these columns from Jason Stockwood very interesting and thoughtful, I don't always agree with him, but he is absolutely right to argue that football is inherently political, a point I have been making for years

from The Guardian

Plans for regulator illustrate inherently political nature of football
Sport does not exist in a vacuum and football clubs will always be powerful emblems of our communal identity
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... ty-culture
https://archive.ph/TbIwv

[Chester Perry]

Hi Chester,

I've read your postings with interest over the weeks, months, even years(??!!) - many thanks for all your efforts - and just wondering what your feelings with you having followed the money (so to speak) for so long. If I may, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the following;

1. What are the potential outcomes for Everton (given the FFP issues, the 777 issues, the new stadium issues etc). Which of any potential outcomes would you see as the most likely to play out?
2. Forest - what do you see as the outcome here. 4 points deduction which sticks; 6 points deduction (which is challenged and perhaps reduced on appeal), higher points deductions or, even, no points deductions!
3. Man City - potential outcomes here and which is the likeliest of those potential outcomes as well as when anything might happen
4. Chelsea - potential outcomes here and which is the likeliest of those potential outcomes as well as when anything might happen

Apologies for the questions. I suspect you can probably give a 1000 word (and more) answer to each! I think you have a better handle on the current situation in each of these cases along with a good understanding of how the authorities are also feeling (about potential punishments).

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts

Ok, lets talk Everton

Next week is the believed to be the date set for the Independent Commission to hear the second set of PSR charges against them, this time Everton have followed the Nottingham Forest example - reported themselves and have been very co-operative in pursing a swift hearing.

We now know that a breach of PSR is a 3 point penalty, and that following the Forest approach is worth a 2 point reduction (1 each for self reporting early and being highly co-operative) - so it is expected the penalty would be reduced to 1 point

On top of that is a scale of penalty points for the size of breach - at Forest £34.5m was a 3 point penalty, but so was a £19.5m breach for Everton in their first case (after the appeal process). We do not know by how much Everton have breached or if the commission will accept the argument of double jeopardy/natural justice - Everton believe they have already been punished for 2 of the three years under the cycle - It may be that if the last full financial year have Everton within the threshold they do not get any added penalty and if the last financial year was outside the threshold they get a single point penalty as 2 of the 3 points have been deducted previously.

There is a another issue that I have not seen discussed anywhere and that is the one of being a repeat offender. I believe this should see another penalty, but it being so directly linked to the previous two years may see such consideration waived.

Overall I expect no more than a 2 point penalty (and possibly just the 1 or even none if the last financial year is within the PSR limits/Everton actually made a profit in 2022/23) and an agreement to not pursue an appeal - notice that this hearing will not commence until after we know if Forest has made an appeal, that decision will impact the judgement of the Everton hearing, and the application of a soft penalty to the charges.

the takeover is much more intriguing, because it appears that Farhad Moshri has an exclusivity agreement with 777 Partners (why else would they loan Everton so much) and that the Premier League are far from satisfied with what 777 Partners have presented to them.

So why have the Premier League not rejected the takeover? We need to consider the Newcastle PiF financed takeover. In the Newcastle takeover it appears that the Premier League did not want a Nation State to take ownership of the club, but never rejected them outright, If you remember PiF walked away from the deal, before coming back to it after significant UK Government intervention on their behalf with the Premier League.

It would seem that while Premier League rules give the right for the Premier League to approve new owners, they do not give them the legal right to outright reject them. Essentially, remains resolutely stubborn when it doesn't want somebody, hiding behind its approval process (notice it is an approval not approval/rejection process) for as long as it take either the selling or buying party to walk away from the deal.

This of course presents problems for Everton and increases the prospect of eventual administration, when all agreements with 777 Partners end and other interested parties can come in and get a relative bargain after creditors, particularly 777 Partners take a haircut on the debts - note Football creditors Rights and Media funding, Metrobank and MSP all have to be paid in full first or the club has to give up assets as per the loan agreements.

For the Premier League, the presentation of the Football Governance Bill to parliament this week allows them to just sit and wait this out, one of the key components being the licensing responsibility of the new regulator, including the rejection or removal of said license with the latter also coming with the power to enforce the sale of a club or holing in a club if a licensee has their license removed.

Everton could be an almighty hospital pass in a bigger political game, though the vast majority of the blame for the whole of this nonsense has to fall on the shoulders of one man, Farhad Moshiri.

[Chester Perry]

Am I the only one who thinks that Leicester are getting too much sympathetic press, for overstretching, particularly as there is no mention of their past history of dodging the consequences of their extravagances

from the Guardian

Leicester’s financial plight shaped by aftermath of FA Cup triumph
Championship leaders face Chelsea on Sunday with threat of potential points deduction looming after costly missteps
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... p-football
https://archive.ph/MibAO

Leicester have been formally charged by the Premier League for PSR breach

from The BBC

Leicester City: Premier League charges Championship club with alleged breaches of financial rules
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68580638

[Chester Perry]

Villa agree a new shirt sponsor deal for the next two seasons - the last allowing Vetting sponsors, I would think that £20m a year represents a significant uplift from their current deal, my guess is between 80% and 100%

from The Telegraph

Aston Villa agree £40m shirt sponsorship deal with Greek online betting firm
Exclusive: With the club keen to continue their push for Champions League football, boosting commercial revenues has become a priority
https://archive.ph/KPOyI

[Chester Perry]

So this is interesting in light of my posting over the life of this thread and indeed over the last few days

from The Telegraph

Foreign state ownership of football clubs to be challenged by Peer
The government plans to ban foreign states from owning newspapers while allowing them to purchase football clubs
https://archive.ph/edA2B

The Hansard transcript of the debate can be found here

Human Rights: Sportswashing
Volume 837: debated on Thursday 21 March 2024
https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/202 ... rtswashing

[Goddy]

Thanks for your thoughts on Everton, CP.

What I take from that is that it's unlikely that a significant further points deduction will be imposed. Perhaps one point.

What I found as interesting was your thoughts on the 777 takeover. Given that it appears the Premier League don't have the power to throw out an ownership application it did make me think, what happens if Everton just say 'well, it's a done deal and 777 have bought the club'. I do appreciate the PL's tactics of stalling the whole deal until such time as it's either no longer attractive to, in this case, 777 or another buyer comes forward but, as I say, I wonder what might happen if Everton just push through the existing deal?

As far as Everton and administration are concerned, I presume they, too, would want to delay that for as long as possible (or, at least, until after this season so any points penalty would hit them in 24/25).

The bottom line is it does seem like an awful mess. In some respects - and I hate to say this - I do wish one of the big clubs (and Everton is still a big club) would fail. I suspect it's the only way other clubs, the football authorities and fans would wake up to the parlous state that football (and the PL in particular) is in.

Thanks for all your input on this thread, CP. It really is insightful and, I dare say, a lot of effort/hard work on your part....but it's appreciated.