777 Partners lose control of Vasco da Gama

This follows Wander and Pasko's removal from Standard de Liege's board of control and is in line with the information @pbsportswriter and I had given in this piece for @JosimarFotball five days ago.

'Ment', Farhad, if you put 'ment', on the end of 'judge', you get 'judgement' – since you have come to Everton, your judgment has been very poor, although some might say that the stadium on the waterfront might be your saving grace!

Brazilian judge Paulo Assed Estefan has "suspended the corporate rights" of 777 Partners at Vasco da Gama and removed the directors appointed by the US group (including Josh Wander and Steven Pasko) from the club's board with immediate effect.

The future of Standard Liege, its employees, its supporters, its players and the great Rouche family will always put before personal interest. Especially mine.

When my first son was born, the first word I whispered in his ear was “Standard”. I have subscribed to it since I was 5 years old, I was there in 1984 when there were 3000 people in the stadium. 20 April 2008 is practically a national holiday for me, the passion has also been passed down in the family. I have remained in contact with local workers and successive managements for more than 40 years. I was there every good and bad moment.

When Pierre Locht was appointed CEO following the takeover of the club, supported by other Liège partners, he proposed my name to the new shareholders in the summer of 2022, and I thank him for this confidence. The objective was to support the existing team, the local workers, to keep a little Liège anchor in the club, and to help the local management with regional companies and sponsors. To also represent Standard in its contacts with other clubs and even sometimes in the Pro League and I made most of the trips, with too many difficult returns.

Joining the board of directors of your favorite club is an emotional challenge. Maybe not always rational. I would like to point out that the mandate was entirely voluntary, without any expenses. I was an independent director and I tried to fulfill these missions as best as I could over the last 2 years, the CEO, the CFO and the teams in place often achieving miracles with the means they received, often on the gong, sometimes a little later.

No, we are not complict with 777 Partners.

For many months, we have been sounding the alarm about the lack of information on the short and medium term sports project, on the financial situation of the main shareholder and the umbrella group and the physical absence at the stadium of the main shareholders, in particular.

Pierre has, on several occasions, pointed out the critical financial situation of the club in the year of its 125th anniversary and the need for substantial liquidity. If the football group made it possible to meet short-term deadlines, the lack of responses from the main shareholders to the medium and long-term requests of our management was no longer bearable, we could no longer experience such a risky 3rd season and the future of the club was in danger.

I therefore presented my resignation from the board of directors and all structures (Real Estate, Business Center, etc.) in order to cause an electric shock. I knew and felt that the teams were reaching the end of what was possible.

I pointed out that several local investors and potential buyers had contacted me and that I remained available if they wished to stay or get in touch with them.

Following recent revelations and developments in the situation, Don Dransfield asked me, as well as the management currently in place, to ensure the transition, to suspend the announcement of my resignation because structural changes were underway and that the situation would quickly change. In the meantime, the two other directors of Standard (Josh Wander and Steven Pasko) have been dismissed from their positions within the club.

Even “on the electoral campaign”, it is not in my nature to leave the ship in the middle of a storm, when the club is going through very perilous times.

In recent days, everyone is on deck to save Standard, to make the necessary, useful or prospective contacts. Many of these contacts require a certain discretion and legal guarantees of non-disclosure of confidential information. This explains my recent silence.

I understand the concern of the groups of supporters who throughout recent years have supported and carried our club against all odds. I share it. But more than ever, Standard needs all its supporters, from all regions of the country and beyond.

Wouldn't it be nice to have such openness and clarity from those running EFC???

We did have a poster on here many many months ago when it was first mooted that we should stay away from 777 and he also published what Phillipe Auclair and Josimar were also saying about how bad 777 ownership would be.

But you and others criticized Paul Quinn as you call him although most know him as Paul the Esk, as being negative and promoting false stories. You now seem to be in full agreement with Paul who it seems was right all along.

I am afraid the attitude Bill Kenwright had of supporters (they should be seen, not heard), and "tell them nothing" or just lying, that attitude has been instilled into Moshiri. Kenwright indeed did get the right billionaire… one who would listen to him, the greatest Evertonian after all.

Bill taught him well… his refusal to attend games, his total lack of openess or clarity and what appears to every reasonable observer, an utter refusal to address the obvious issue. His silence is reminiscent of Kenwright's days.

He has had the opportunity to keep fans informed on progress, an opportunity to secure his legacy of providing the club with a brilliant future in a world class stadium. But his actions, or pointedly, lack of communication, has made him a target of derision.

The lack of an effective board is his responsibility, one he has failed miserably.

Despite all of the above, despite the fact it will take us years to recover, and left us open to the likes of 777 Partners, despite the ridicule heaped on Everton as a result, I believe we will come through all of this as one. Stronger, more united, in a fabulous new home.

There are too many wanting a bit of us to think a deal will not happen. It sounds as if there never was an extension given to 777 Partners by Moshiri, more probable he was contractually held until the end of May.

777 are unravelling… by the end of month, the deal will fall over. What next? Honestly I haven't got a clue, but the present players may end up with a bloody nose if administration happens or a new party makes a deal.

I have never been happier to see the end of a season.

As I understand it,the players would be first in line above all other creditors if the club went into administration, so their contracts are rock solid.

I feel more sorry for the small local businesses who supply the club, they will get a penny in every pound they are owed if we go into administration. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

I think you're jumping the gun just a little bit, as you seem to do in most of your posts recently. What on earth gives you the idea that I am now in full agreement with Paul Quinn? I don't think I've said that or anything like it that could be construed in such a way.

But Paul Quinn (I believe that's his real name) has been such a monger of doom that it's no wonder you'd be worried sick if you believe all the shit he throws out there. Why, he seems to have had you convinced we're heading for administration.

But that's the beauty of the internet, isn't it? You can spout all manner of shite with no cost, no penalty, no comeback. Just rock on to the next pontification.

I'd prefer, as I've said many times, to see what actually transpires. I don't like projections, forecasts, gambling because, as I've said elsewhere, I think life is fundamentally uncertain. So whenever I read future certainty predicted, especially delivered by internet soothsayers on Twatter, it's not something I relate to all that well.

They may be proved right in the fullness of time. But it is of as much value to me as predicting the result of a coin toss.

To bring this back on topic, the way I understand things, 777 Partners remain in the running to take over Everton. They have even received conditional approval to do so from the Premier League (or did you miss that bit?). And Moshiri seems to have given them until the end of the month to meet those conditions.

But uncertainty prevails. They may succeed; they may fail; something else may happen – even before the end of the month. The uncertainty must be killing you and many others, such that you grasp onto anything that may suggest certainty… but that does not make it so.

What next for 777, a revelation of underhand involvement in war somewhere?

Uncertainty is a very gentle word for our predicament.

I get you don't want to hear the negativity that Paul has suggested MAY happen, but there is so much evidence out there whether it be from Standard Liege or Vasco da Gama or Australian airlines, that seem to suggest that they don't seem ideal owners for our club.
You say you don't like forecasts or projections and would rather wait to see what happens. So I guess you are happy to see what transpires with 777 and our ownership, I think you will be in a very small minority, although that could be me jumping the gun again.

I would also think most posts on any subject on T/W are often put up on X, first like the articles by Phillipe Auclair and Josimar two well respected journalists should be viewed with suspicion because they don't fall in line with your view.

That's a very narrow minded way at looking at things. Many of the political scandals were first raised on internet sites, and if they hadn't been they would never have come to light.

FSG are already invested in multiple sports. As well as them, the Boston Red Sox, NASCAR, Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and investment in golf.

Michael, I'm the same, I just wait and see what happens.

Hopefully Moshiri has Plan B ready?

Christine, I get your point, but I'm not sure about being glad to see the back of this season.

It's been trial by almost torture at times. Chelsea sticks in the throat. Low point.

But then once done on Sunday, we have to figure out what to do with ourselves until August comes!!

It's really not a very good way to expect to have a civilised debate if you make things up.

First you said that I seem to be in full agreement with Paul Quinn, when I have never ever uttered such a statement.

Next it's "Josimar journalists should be viewed with suspicion because they don't fall in line with your view." Again, never said such a thing.

Please stop insinuating things that aren't true. If you want to reflect my thoughts back at me, please stick to direct quotes so that there can be no misunderstanding.

Really good. He should have opened with that. Terrific statement anyway.

Paul Quinn (The Esk) has provided a lot of valuable information and alerted us to certain concerns but the tone and direction of his writings are extremely doomladen and a lot of his posts have shown complete contempt for 777 who to be fair have provided loans to the tune of over 200m which Moshiri was unwilling or unable to do.

We are constantly fed similar diatribe from the Daily Mail and other anti Everton institutions so I am prepared to sit it out in the full knowledge that EFC will survive and prosper.

I would just remind everyone that the last 30 years have been presided over by a much worse fate than 777 which has led us to being potless while the aforementioned person trousered over £40M despite never putting a penny of his own money into the club.

But my biggest thing is that I don't think they have any secret sources. Esk was far from being alone in pointing out widely available stories about 777 that would lead most people to conclude there was a problem with them but he acted as he was some kind of sleuth.

The Esk is privy to information from Andy Bell.

Just a thought?

Funny you should say that – and this is a good one for you, Brian:

There is a “distinct possibility” 777 Partners will complete their takeover of Everton and become the Toffees' owners, according to Simon Jordan.

Now if anyone should know, he should know. He was Chairman of Crystal Palace after all.

But see, Brian, I have a problem with this too. And you can quote me on this: I think Simon Jordan is a dick.

This cannot be overstated enough times and should be a continual reminder of exactly how we got where we are today:

I would just remind everyone that the last 30 years have been presided over by a much worse fate than 777 which has led us to being potless while the aforementioned person trousered over £40M despite never putting a penny of his own money into the club.

How on earth can these people be fit Owners. They are a complete shambles, wrecking businesses and institutions far and wide. This should be a clear ‘No' thank you.

I see Richard Masters is choosing to be at Arsenal on Sunday, it wouldnt look right his presenting the PL trophy to City given he knows full well their charge list should have been addressed years ago.
Give him hell Blues….

The club would have also been finished as a Premier League club without the incredible supporters and yet the bastards who tried to throw us under the bus were rewarded with massive financial payoffs.

I don't want to hear Moshiri speak until he is saying "Au revoir".

It's been tough on them, it's been tough on us. But we've come through. Now make a decision and go if you're not interested. This is our club and always has been. Always will be.

Danny O'Neill 13: "Michael, I'm the same, I just wait and see what happens".

Danny O'Neill 14: "I don't think 777 will happen".

Some very unfair stuff on here. Michael. You know how much I respect you (and Lyndon) but your post at 10 pounced on Brian and took him well beyond what he was saying (ironic given your responses to Brian ergo “do not put words in my mouth”). Unless I'm mistaken, Brian's only point was that Paul the Esk (PTE) was correct in expressing deep concern about 777. But you turned this into a rather larger and longer series of thoughts that went well beyond Brian's frame of reference (if I am wrong, I apologise).

Also, what is the point in calling what PTE writes “shite”? Why have him on here in the first place if what he writes is “shite”? If I was PTE I would be deeply insulted by this “shite” and would no longer submit posts that are far more often called “informative” and “interesting” than “shite” on ToffeeWeb.

The answer, of course, is that what PTE writes is not “shite”. It certainly seems to be researched and rooted in understandings of us and the cut-and-thrust financial/administrative worlds and Kieran (22) who also seems to bear a grudge is wrong in writing that there is little that is new in PTE's considered writings. I believe that he does have - full disclosure I don't like this word in this situation - "sources".

And even if it is largely based on “readily accessible information”, as Kieran writes: so what? I have just published a book that is based on “readily accessible information” in public archives across England and, trust me, there is plenty of new stuff in it!

I've always been a tad puzzled by MK's comments on PTE when in fact the latter has probably posted more threads on here than anyone else in say the last twelve months. Perhaps this is in the grand old spirit of “free speech”: what you write is “shite” but my God I'll defend your right to write it?

This, perhaps inevitably, makes me wonder what Lyndon thinks about the collected writings and thoughts of PTE.

I agree mate. I distinctly remember Paul Quinn stating that we didn't have a case to answer with regard to the second PSR charge and nothing would come of it.

Paul The Esk has been a very good voice for a lot of us very worried Evertonians lately and has also given quite a lot of very good information, imo, and at a time when reassurance has definitely been needed with regards Moshiri's very worrying choice of 777 Partners.

Keep writing Paul. You write some good stuff.

As my more sensible youngest brother always says when we've had a few, Evertonians argue about the thing we all agree on!!

My even more sensible son thinks I'm mad and often shakes his head when I go off on one of my ramblings and tells me to grow up!!

None of it is personal. Just like the "Your'e shite Everton" guy who sits behind you in the stadium!

Keep going Paul.

As an aside, the Dominic Bella Ciao version is catching on!!

Since you mentioned me I will elaborate. I used to read what Esk said quite intently even back when his original critic on these pages -- Steve Ferns -- regularly criticized him. But as all this drama has unfolded over the last year or so, I have come to realize that he and others don't know any more than the rest of us. So it is a waste of my time reading "breaking" Tweets from him, Bobble etc.

Case in point 1 June 2023 Esk posted on Twitter "Moshiri set to cede majority control of Everton with a new share issue in favor of new investor (MSP)."

Obviously that didn't happen. Four days later he was saying a 25% equity stake, then mentioning Andy Bell and £40 million etc – by which time the actual details of the short-term loan tied to the stadium were all over the news.

He also had made a prediction (yes I realize it is a prediction but it was a pretty lengthy piece going into details) saying Everton would make an annual profit after selling Moise Kean etc. Again that didn't happen and in fact we ended up deeply in the red. He explained this by saying all along it was a prediction based on limited information, but therein lies part of my issue.

It may not be entirely his own doing but there's a swathe of people even in the media who now quote anything and everything he says as some authoritative source. When by his own admission on the latter example he didn't actually have any "in the know" as revealed after the fact.

So personally, now I view his articles as more akin to Robert Tressell's entertaining articles of who he might buy if he was playing real life football manager. Robert has a vast knowledge of players around the globe and makes interesting suggestions. But I don't think anyone thinks his transfer list actually is based on some kind of insight into Kevin Thelwell's plans. Esk on the other hand is similarly speculative but is given the appearance of being "in the know."

Anyway, I don't have a personal issue with him as I have never met the man, but I constantly see him being quoted as the oracle as opposed to someone just like you, Danny O'Neill, Barry Rathbone and Don Alexander just having a think about things and posting their reflections.

As one of the main protagonists in the analysis of information that we did have under our last chairman, speculation brings pressure to bear on those in power to answer. It's a bit like pulling hens teeth... long drawn out!

Not all that is said or printed is true, very little is fact. Free speech is anything but free – there is no such thing. There is a cost to what you say and do. The banner of free speech is used by people to get what they want, free speech is not truth.

Whenever I hear protests groups banging on about free speech, it usually means they have an agenda other than the right to say what they like, in some cases a cover for inciting hatred of something, someone or some group of other people.

No-one on these pages incites behaviour (hmm had to take a second thought about that when I think of RS) Bullshit is usually sunk immediately, and conjecture is the lifeblood of the site.

As a result many contributions from people add a bit more to the overall picture. If every contribution was 98% wrong, every 2% have value. The ability to put the 2% +2% together is the value of contributions from the like of the Esk. They join the dots, a rare commodity.

That is why I brought you into my post, but I am grateful for your considered post which taught me a few things. I'm no blinkered or dogmatic Esk lapdog but I do respect him. And it so happens that I feel that sometimes he is unfairly disparaged on here for, in effect, sharing his knowledge, sources, and ideas (and yes sometimes speculations) with us.

No one is forced to read what he posts.

You managed to squeeze the universal question of the nature of a forum like this and why it matters into - what? - twenty lines or so.

(Sorry, couldn't help being mischievous when you posted one things and in the next one something somewhat different!).

If I'm allowed to sing my own praises, then hopefully I am in that 2% bracket, that Christine mentions, although that obviously leaves me talking 98% worths of shite!

I heard Cahill mentioned with the Qataris last week, I heard that MSP don't want to get involved with Everton's current debt, and I heard only yesterday that the only thing that is making Everton a viable sale is the White Elephant that has caused most of the current debt.

Being logical, then I should genuinely thank Farhad Moshiri for this because it's plain to see that football has moved on and even though Goodison Park kept getting its safety certificate, it's obvious that staying at the old lady caught up with us the minute we lost out on The King's Dock.

None of us will ever get it perfect, many of us will be ridiculed for assumptions but, in the end, it's only bruised egos which heal because few remember who called it right in the beginning. But I try too!

The only thing that is 100% guesswork on my part is that I say we are gonna win the cup every year, so I'll have been saying it for 30 years by the time we win it again. 🤞

You are so right. We are as Evertonians working in the vacuum of a club that has actively prevented us from getting proper information. We all know that something is wrong and are constantly trying to analyse every move by the club to get to the truth. The information from posts and the discussion gets us closer to the truth and determines the perceived consciousness of the fan base which puts pressure on Moshiri. Paul the Esk and his submission is very much part of that.

What is happening now is the pinnacle of Moshiri's flapping about. Both Standard and Vasco seem to have people with some say in the club, who can hold 777 Partners to account within the legal frameworks available. Everton have Moshiri who would run a million miles from that.

You can "smell a rat" as we say, if things are untrue or don't add up.. but that can be intuition, the truth has to be dug for. A mining friend I had in Australia once said to me that to find gold you had to move tons of crap first.

It's the same with truth... you know it's there but every shovelful will get you closer!

I had a very long follow up to this Christine quote and just deleted it. I can sum up all of it more succinctly.

Yes. Yes you can smell a rat. And when you do, get away from the rat as fast as possible.

Don't you love analogies?

I publish Paul's contributions (with PTE's kind permission) as I believe they are in informative and grounded either in fact or projections based on what he perceives/believes to be true at the time. Don't forget that some of the information he has to go on is warped at source... Very few people know what's actually going on, sometimes not even those at the very, very top!

Kieran writes: "I have come to realize that he and others don't know any more than the rest of us. So it is a waste of my time reading "breaking" Tweets from him, Bobble etc."

The thing is that they do know more than almost everybody else. Without going into specifics, I can categorically say that. It's not just joining up dots.

I think that fairly encompasses The Esk, he has a better inside track than any of us. He adds a significant understanding of situations that are just not available anywhere else. As you rightly say, looking inside the head of our owner or prospective buyers is impossible..

Sure he get's things wrong at times, he's no Mystic Meg, but the base information provided allows us to learn a little more each time.

I just wish he would follow up with replies to questions raised about his posts, especially ones that provide an alternative viewpoint.