Seasons2019-20Everton News
Usmanov ponders greater involvement at Everton

The Uzbek-born tycoon is a long-time friend and business partner of the Blues' majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, and the pair held a joint 30% stake in Arsenal until the latter sold his shares to Usmanov to facilitate his investment in Everton in 2016.
Usmanov himself, whose personal fortune is estimated to be around £10bn, sold his own stake in the Gunners after it became clear that the London club's owner, Stan Kroenke, had no interest in letting him onto the Board of Directors at the Emirates.
Usmanov said in an interview with the Financial Times last month that he would think seriously about increasing his exposure at Everton beyond the current sponsorship deals with USM Holdings and Megafon if Moshiri wants him on board.
“Yes. With great pleasure, if he asks,” he said. “I am thinking about my investment in this club...
"I cannot reject Arsenal. I will not leave them as a fan. But if I join Everton, then I will wear an Everton shirt, because I am a professional.
“They are going to build a new stadium. Why not the USM Arena? It is not obligatory for me to participate myself. I could just sponsor them.”
Reader Comments (171)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
3 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:53:12
4 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:56:57
5 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:58:02
6 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:00:12
Paul where does the 㾷m a year figure come from, or is that just a guestimate?
7 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:00:48
8 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:00:55
9 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:08:45
I want us to be horrible and push past some of these stuttering giants who get favours left right and centre because of status.
10 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:12:51
11 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:14:00
12 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:14:38
UTFT
13 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:16:01
14 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:18:26
15 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:22:29
16 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:24:29
17 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:25:35
Feels like he thinks the timing is right to go public. There seems little doubt that he was pivotal to getting Ancelotti on board.
And why get a world class manager and stadium with an average squad? And would Ancelotti sign without assurances? It's very interesting to see what happens over the next few months. I would love to see us upset the apple cart.
18 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:25:42
Obviously, Usmanov can't be already involved in the running of the club else he would have asked the FT to run this story on Monday after the derby - wouldn't he?
We have to hope that some of his money arrives into Everton directly or indirectly it's probably the only way we will ever see our beloved club compete properly in the Premier League.
19 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:28:13
20 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:32:59
21 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:35:54
22 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:40:53
23 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:44:51
(Me coat's on the way...)
24 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:47:36
Someone needs to do the Alice in Wonderland poster as Alisher in Bramley-Moore Dock next.
If it doesn't happen, at least we had a laugh.
Si @15 that's another classic. I love that creative thought.
25 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:51:08
26 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:51:17
27 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:51:29
I am sure this man, once he gets the "feel" for Everton like Farhad has, the rest will fall into place. It's comforting that the rooting down the back of Bill's sofa for some transfer money is a thing of the past.
28 Posted 03/01/2020 at 16:54:20
29 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:01:03
Coincidence???
30 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:06:28
31 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:06:28
He called this a few weeks ago on another thread. Quite helpful to those of us not privy to local rumors.
Fasten your seat belts. The Giant is awaking from his slumber.
32 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:08:29
33 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:09:07
34 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:10:12
My favourite reaction to this on twitter is :"Let's not get carried away...but what number do you think Mbappe will be?
Absolutely hilarious.
35 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:12:28
36 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:14:43
37 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:15:15
38 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:15:16
And I'm the least informed fan in the world then. Rumors that I put zero credence in until Colin Glassar said it was floating around over there.
News to this naive Yank!
39 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:16:22
40 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:17:38
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several weeks.
Didn't Little Miss Dynamite say they wouldn't reveal the details of the financing until the planning permission process was complete?
41 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:17:45
42 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:17:54
43 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:21:17
Steve Brown I love that Trump one, makes me wish I was prime minister that post. I'd have a plan or 2 myself.
Jamie it has been well predicted by many for ages. Almost obvious to be honest.
Robert we will always have to flirt around FFP but the more we raise the more we can spend. Further investment usually leads to better spends but it has to be wise spending.
44 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:23:20
45 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:24:29
46 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:25:47
47 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:32:40
48 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:37:00
So many let downs over the years have scared us but this is happening?!
I'm in the camp that I doubt Ancellotti comes without Usmanov!!
This could be really happening?!
49 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:44:08
I said earlier that I had also read in one of the heavyweight papers that Carlo was on £11m for himself and his staff, not just Carlo, but, of course, the Red Tops like to sensationalise everything so went for the headline catching ''Carlo on £11m a year'' crap.
51 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:53:06
As long as he doesn't become a co owner then we can use his cash as he won't have a stake in the club so ok to speak.
52 Posted 03/01/2020 at 17:57:40
53 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:02:24
54 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:13:55
The club will have poured cold water on the links to any done deal until he is formally a part of the club and The Echo have to take their word for it.
Thankfully there aren't many investigative journalists anymore and certainly none at The Echo.
55 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:17:16
56 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:19:57
Ever since Merson said, “oh boy, this ain't good†when sky announced the Moshiri takeover it's only been a question of time before Usmanov takes his place at the table. To be honest I thought this would happen earlier but, better late then never! COYB!!!
57 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:24:02
58 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:25:25
59 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:35:21
I've been tipping Usmanov (more in hope than knowledge) for the last 2 years. I think they've kept their powder dry until the Stadium was set to go. Hopefully!!
I also believe that shower of will get their comeuppance on Sunday at Carlo's hands!"!
COYB
60 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:37:48
61 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:41:54
62 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:47:19
63 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:53:48
64 Posted 03/01/2020 at 18:58:19
65 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:14:49
66 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:16:56
67 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:44:31
Gotta be worth Usmanov's millions when the concept spreads to EPL !
68 Posted 03/01/2020 at 19:56:16
69 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:01:55
70 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:04:38
This is a genuine question. Thank you.
71 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:04:41
72 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:11:56
73 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:19:57
Poor explanation from a finance person, but I stand to be corrected/enhanced upon.
Mind you, the penalties in football pale into insignificance when you see what happened to Saracens in the RU Premiership.
74 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:22:27
A mere drop in the ocean for Usmanov!!
75 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:23:30
76 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:24:34
77 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:26:10
You're the only person I know with that amiunt of loose change and a yacht😎😎😎
78 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:26:44
What's to stop USM tripling the highest existing sponsorship deal for naming rights if they want? What's to stop them sponsoring the training bibs or the socks?
It's not up to us to work out how creative they can be but I'm sure they can be pretty creative and have been moving money about using caveats for decades.
Also, the precedent is a fine for the first time breaking the rule over a season. I'm pretty sure they'll be aware of that and happy to pay. Worst case scenario of a European ban hasn't been handed out to anyone yet as far as I'm aware.
79 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:30:00
I didnt see your response before I posted.
Glen Keith noted
80 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:32:35
I feel we'll do them on Sunday, really do.
81 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:33:12
82 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:36:49
Wish list please!
83 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:39:19
Donnarumma
Koulibaly
Rabiot
Werner
Just the spine for a start. @ £200 mill.
84 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:40:20
85 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:41:09
I hope so, not because I dislike him, but simply because he has and is holding the club back.
If true, welcome to the Blue Side Mr. Usmanov
86 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:01
87 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:11
Unless Carlo knows some wiseguys to paint his house!!
88 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:11
Unless Carlo knows some wiseguys to paint his house!!
89 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:42:56
90 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:44:52
Rob, thanks for the financing. We'll name the new stadium for the cat.
91 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:45:17
Another 2 -1 to us.
92 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:45:46
Also hints why Usmanov limiting activity to sponsorship has benefits for circumventing FFP to some extent.
The catch is what UEFA fair play panel consider a ' fair value' for sponsorship. City are still arguing over this I think.
93 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:47:32
But we need to take up the council offer, too, to really piss off the RS.
94 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:47:47
I understand how sponsorship might work to our benefit, but do recall that City were investigated. I suspect their backers had some very, very good advisors.
However, this is Everton. As in “if something can go wrong, it willâ€. And let's be in doubt, there will be some rivals, some very dark forces, at work to try and thwart a newly moneyed club in the Premier League.
I would sleep more easily if I could see a wealthy future without fear of retribution.
95 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:48:01
96 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:48:40
97 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:52:42
98 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:54:32
99 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:56:09
100 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:57:24
101 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:57:43
102 Posted 03/01/2020 at 20:59:39
Just suprised it has come out before we get the decision with our new ground submission.
Think we are going to need a bigger stadium.
103 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:03:22
104 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:08:36
No doubt planning approval will be announced shortly.
There will be moans and groans heard coming from the vicinity of Mordor.
105 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:09:36
106 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:21:46
Need some poster with ffp knowledge to let us all know the ins and outs.
107 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:23:47
108 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:29:55
109 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:33:55
110 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:36:18
111 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:43:54
112 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:47:50
113 Posted 03/01/2020 at 21:57:57
ARSENAL.
114 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:22:09
115 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:32:28
Come to think of it, he might be round. Is that someone at your door? lol.
116 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:34:12
117 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:34:48
Rob Halligan could lend all the Everton supporters a grand to wave at them a la Harry Enfield!!
118 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:36:23
And we'll line up the Kopites one by one on the banks of the Usmanersey!!
119 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:43:44
I worked for John Moores for many years, and I can assure you he was not universally respected. He prompted fear in many people rather than respect. I personally, didn't care much either way, but it's a myth that he was liked or respected universally. It's great to be demanding and have high standards, but a bit of humanity goes a long way.
The book I refer to is interesting. I haven't finished it yet, but it has an ambivalence about his impact. The money and the players were great, as was the ambition and success.I was 11 when Tommy Ring, Royston, Gabriel, Lill etc were signed, and I couldn't believe it. Like an explosion of colour after monochrome pictures.
But as a club we were not respected or liked. It was felt the ambition made for pretty mean spirited behaviour. There may be many reasons for the lack of affection. London press, shitty tabloid reporters, the way Football was in those days etc.
The real star was Catterick, who had to manage that relationship. Moores was an instinctive firer of people, but Harry was able to satisfy him.
It is interesting how Harry's behaviour changed when Moores stepped down as Chairman, and nurtured young players through 1967 and beyond, showing a lot more patience than earlier in the decade. The Happy Convict Years!
It is also interesting about how widespread match fixing was in the early sixties, well documented, and how Tony Kay was actually made an example of to deter others.
As I say, I've not finished it yet, but it is very thought provoking and very worth a read. Written by Gavin Buckland.
Despite all that I prefer to remember the explosion of colour when I was 11!
120 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:45:52
121 Posted 03/01/2020 at 22:54:00
122 Posted 03/01/2020 at 23:06:27
I personally don't know anything about the man other than he is fat and rich. I also don't mind rich people or fat ones if they help my team.
123 Posted 03/01/2020 at 23:16:10
Usmanov, ffs, open arms mate.
124 Posted 03/01/2020 at 00:12:01
If Usmanov is, indeed, considering buying in it's interesting that the AGM is on the 14th.
125 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:16:35
126 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:21:52
Planning Permission has gone in. Maybe the moneymen needed a bit more for Moshiri, than...did I mention Usmanov.?
I'd like to see him in the stands as well though.
127 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:34:01
128 Posted 04/01/2020 at 00:36:00
And I told yer so...
USM Bramley-Moore Stadium, (New) home of Everton F.C
Aaaaand Dilbaaar !!!!
129 Posted 04/01/2020 at 01:08:43
130 Posted 04/01/2020 at 01:16:18
131 Posted 04/01/2020 at 03:06:23
132 Posted 04/01/2020 at 03:11:40
133 Posted 04/01/2020 at 08:22:17
134 Posted 04/01/2020 at 08:41:50
135 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:01:12
We have Everton, who now have wealth that we never had before, a great manager and an impending new ground that will be envy of many clubs.
Across the city we have the dark side who are running away with the Prem and have another "European cup" in the bag, however their manager will move on and so will the players and they will be hard to replace.
There is now a possibility of a merseyside power shift to, although it will take time.
Without money wherever it comes from this could not potentially happen so welcome the possibility do not knock us for finding investment.
There has never been a better time to be an Evertonian, Happy New Year folks
136 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:17:52
City, RS, United,Chelsea, etc were all allowed to build up big expensive squads, update their grounds, Academies and training facilities etc,over a number of years. As soon as other clubs became rich and threatened the Sky cash cows FFP is introduced and, instead of applying just to the Sky darlings, it applies to everyone so the chance of the likes of us catching them up are reduced. In a fair world FFP would hamstring the Sky darlings until everyone else has a chance of catching up. It would make the League a more level playing field.
137 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:39:18
"He's rich, he's round, he's paying for our ground Usmanov, Usmanov" rolls a little better I think.
138 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:50:48
We were all made up when Moshiri came on board/Board but let's be honest the amount of waste there has been financially both in bad Management choices Compensation, overpriced players etc.
Let's hope that things are played differently this time, the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti with Duncan as his assistant, is definitely a positive step in the right direction. A ship is as good as it's Captain and crew, let's get the best crew we can.
Alisher has said he will remain an Arsenal fan, but will wear the Blue of Everton on matchdays, what does he do when we play Arsenal at home? I believe also the Club shop has ordered a 5XL special shirt. Welcome Mr Usmanov! 😂😋ðŸ™ðŸ‘“
139 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:51:40
140 Posted 04/01/2020 at 09:52:26
Lets not take the piss out of his weight guys he hasn't invested yet. 🤣
141 Posted 04/01/2020 at 10:36:00
This is a clear strategy to circumvent FFP, that can't really be challenged by the powers that be.
It is clever and subtle insofar as they are laying out the strategy now, in full public view.
If any objections are to be made - they need to be made now as any made later can be dismissed on the grounds that the proposal was made public long before the event.
I expect what will happen is that USM will pay a massive sum for the "naming rights" of the stadium.
The building of the stadium will however be fully funded by borrowing from the Local Authority or Local Authority sponsored loans, as has already been planned and publicised.
This will leave the "naming rights" money in the Everton cash pot and available to spend as we see fit, i.e transfer and wages, on the grounds that it will be income generated at arms length, from commercial activities.
When the dust has settled and some time has passed, Usmanov will be offered to buy Bill Kenwright's remaining shares and will then join the Board of EFC as Chairman - the post he has publicly said he always wanted to hold at Arsenal.
142 Posted 04/01/2020 at 10:42:46
143 Posted 04/01/2020 at 11:31:08
Just saying
144 Posted 04/01/2020 at 11:54:14
145 Posted 04/01/2020 at 12:12:52
I am sure at some point he will be invited to join the club and maybe this was always the overall strategy. I do think maybe he had a hand in persuading Ancelotti to sign, and I am sure Ancelotti would feel more secure in signing knowing Usmanov was involved in some way or other in providing transfer funds.
146 Posted 04/01/2020 at 12:29:19
147 Posted 04/01/2020 at 13:46:06
148 Posted 04/01/2020 at 16:08:09
149 Posted 04/01/2020 at 17:46:25
Imo Usmanov has been involved ever since Moshiri came to us. Moshiri is just a frontman. Usmanov will take over officially eventually and then we'll officially be another multi billionaires plaything.
Think we can put the 'knife to a gunfight' talk to bed.
Boy does he look shady though. I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him!
150 Posted 04/01/2020 at 17:53:13
Must be one hell of an accountant! Didn't realise double entry paid so good.
Believe the saying goes 'Behind every great fortune lies a crime'.
151 Posted 04/01/2020 at 17:55:15
152 Posted 04/01/2020 at 18:26:09
153 Posted 04/01/2020 at 19:15:36
Perhaps the dawn of a new era, and to bring some victory and success back to EFC, and Evertonians.
Hopefully this decade, kick starts a new era for Everton, and good times ahead.
To be compete on the top table with the best seat, is something we've dreamed off for years.
Onwards and upwards, Evertonians, onto victory, and tomorrow a win or a draw would be superb.
154 Posted 04/01/2020 at 22:28:49
155 Posted 04/01/2020 at 22:29:30
It strikes me that you either adopt a moral stance on the sources of money in the game, and don't take any further interest in the game at all (no Sky subscription, no attendance at matches, no watching MOTD, no partaking of ToffeeWeb, etc.), or you simply follow your team regardless.
Make your mind up time?
156 Posted 04/01/2020 at 22:46:50
99.9% of 'em don't pay council tax in the UK let alone Merseyside!!
157 Posted 04/01/2020 at 23:27:22
158 Posted 05/01/2020 at 08:48:27
159 Posted 05/01/2020 at 12:31:56
160 Posted 05/01/2020 at 18:21:15
How do you become a millionaire?
You start off as a billionaire and buy a football team!
161 Posted 05/01/2020 at 20:49:33
We can have all the money in the world but until we have players and a coach all singing from the same carol sheet it means didley.
162 Posted 06/01/2020 at 11:17:00
164 Posted 08/01/2020 at 21:58:17
The club should worry about it then maybe?
Who knows, a challenge in our courts once we've left the EU might be interesting
165 Posted 08/01/2020 at 22:03:53
166 Posted 08/01/2020 at 22:16:38
167 Posted 08/01/2020 at 23:00:19
Nothing to stop any club challenging FFP in a British court and if they win then UEFA would have to rethink.
It must come very close to restraint of trade.
https://www.asser.nl/SportsLaw/Blog/post/the-evolution-of-uefa-s-financial-fair-play-rules-part-1-background-and-eu-law-by-christopher-flanagan
Imagine Burger King being told they can't spend as much on advertising as mcDonalds because McDonalds have more branches?
168 Posted 09/01/2020 at 18:44:15
A Lawyer for Bosman, Dupont, has been spouting crap about taking down the transfer system for years and for the last 3 years he's had FFP in his sights. He is attention hungry, and so far none of his cases have got anywhere. Quite frankly though, FFP is not fair to the likes of Everton and it is all about making sure that we cannot join the elite, by restricting what we can spend, even if we have Usmanov bankrolling us.
169 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:06:32
This is all about EU, EU law, agreements between UEFA and the EU.
None of this will apply to British clubs soon and besides, until we actually have a side good enough to qualify for European competition is there any point caring about FFP ??
It's a bit like panicking over where you're gonna find the money for a holiday in 2024 .
170 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:24:45
More importantly though, if you do an international deal, the small print always has a jurisdiction clause. Proudly, nearly every major European contact states UK law as having jurisdiction meaning our courts have the final say above all others. Even a lot of american multinational deals nominate UK law too. This is now changing to France, but that's not the point.
The point is to play in European Competition you have to consent to rules and regulations which will give jurisdiction to European Law and not UK law. So Brexit means nothing to FFP.
Where Brexit is going to be potentially seismic is that the EU players are classed as foreign. Even Seamus Coleman. So take the starting XI on Sunday, there was only 4 UK players in the XI. We're only allowed 3 foreigners. So that's got to change. Imagine how hard it's going to be for some other sides. The PL won't allow it though as they need the global TV audience. The rules are set by the FA (not the government) so let's see what they do.
I predict the FA (cos again it's up to them) will also rework the work permit rules so you can sign whoever you want and forget about applying for a work permit for an elite level footballer and you just need to fulfil quotas of british players, maybe as few as 3 in the XI or 5 including the bench.
171 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:30:34
172 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:36:04
The need is now surely?
Once we get to stage where we have a team that's capable then we can take a one year ban like AC Milan,as a precedent has now been set by their ban . christ we've had longer european bans through no fault of our own.
Why worry about a competition we don't qualify for and are very unlikely to with current crop of players
173 Posted 09/01/2020 at 20:46:18
174 Posted 09/01/2020 at 22:53:00
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
1 Posted 03/01/2020 at 15:52:26