Farhad Moshiri Reflects on Everton Tenure as Ownership Era Ends

Farhad Moshiri, the outgoing owner of Everton Football Club, expressed “mixed emotions” as he reflected on his eight-year tenure following the sale of his stake to the Friedkin Group in a deal reportedly worth over £400 million.

The British-Iranian businessman’s ownership concluded on Thursday, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter for the Toffees. In an open letter to supporters, Moshiri acknowledged both the challenges and achievements of his time at the club, expressing regret over missed opportunities, particularly referencing the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

“We brought top-class managers like Carlo Ancelotti to the club, and who knows where we might have been had he not been lured back to Real Madrid,” Moshiri wrote.

During his tenure, Everton endured a series of difficulties, including managerial changes, strained fan relations, relegation battles, financial instability, and even a points deduction by the Premier League. Despite these struggles, Moshiri highlighted his contributions to modernizing the club’s infrastructure, including significant investments in a state-of-the-art training ground and the construction of Everton’s new “iconic stadium.”

“Leaving Everton with a stadium for all Evertonians and the wider community to enjoy for decades is something I feel real pride in,” he stated.

While acknowledging that on-field results “frankly haven’t been good enough,” Moshiri emphasized efforts to keep ticket prices among the most affordable in the Premier League, even as he personally bore the financial burdens of modernizing the club.

Fan groups have welcomed the sale with optimism, viewing it as a fresh start after a chaotic period. The Friedkin Group’s acquisition is seen as a potential turning point for Everton, which now looks to rebuild and stabilize both on and off the pitch.