One of the parties linked with a potential investment into Everton has come under scrutiny in Germany, according to reports.
Miami-based 777 Partners have been linked with the Toffees and a taking a stake in the club since the start of the year, with the US firm understood to have had discussions with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and his representatives.
Talks have been ongoing between Moshiri and a number of interested parties as the Everton owner seeks to recapitalise the business and clinch the final tranche of funding for the 52,888-seater stadium development at Bramley-Moore Dock, with another US fund, MSP Sports Capital, understood to be the frontrunners should any deal materialise.
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777 Partners are a firm that has a large number of sporting assets in its portfolio, including ownership of clubs such as Genoa, Standard Liege, Red Star FC, Vasco da Gama and Hertha Berlin, as well as a significant stake in the British Basketball League and its standout team, the London Lions.
Reports over the weekend in Germany, via Forbes, claimed that Hertha and their ownership by 777 Partners was under scrutiny due to potential issues around the deal and its compliance with the 50+1 rule that exists in German football, where the club and its members retains control by holding 51 per cent of the voting shares.
The Miami firm took full control of Hertha Berlin in March, acquiring the 64.7 per cent stake of former investor Lars Windhorst through his firm Tennor Holdings.
Reports from Germany have suggested that unlike Tennor, 777 Partners have influence over all club-relevant decisions, where Tennor was only able to influence decisions that exceeded a volume of €20m.
Speaking following the acquisition of Windhorst’s controlling stake of Hertha in March, 777 co-founder Josh Wander said: “Over the past few months, we have had the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture that makes Hertha BSC so special, and we are looking forward to learning even more.
“We have great respect for the manner in which football is structured in Germany and are looking forward to working together with all those involved in order to help Hertha fulfil their full potential.”
Hertha and the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) licensing commission are in dialogue over the licensing for next season, with the club issuing a statement, published via Transfermarkt, providing an update on the situation.
"We are in regular contact with the DFL both regarding the ongoing licensing process and the content of the partnership with our investor 777 Partners," the statement read.
“Both topics must be discussed and clarified while complying with all legal requirements – in particular the 50+1 rule – and content-related specifications. We will not comment further on these ongoing processes and speculation in the media at the moment."
There is hope that Everton’s search for investment will reach a positive conclusion in the coming weeks, although much uncertainty still remains around just what division the club will be competing in next season.
The Toffees gave their survival hopes a massive boost on Monday with a remarkable 5-1 win away to Brighton & Hove Albion to move the club out of the bottom three on 32 points with three games remaining.
When pressed on any potential movement in investing in Everton last week by the ECHO, 777 Partners declined to comment.
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