Everton facing threat of administration & second points deduction as 777Partners takeover is delayed due to 'challenging' Premier League due diligence checks

According to the Daily Mail, Everton's prospective buyers, 777Partners, have been informed by the Premier League that their takeover is unlikely to be approved before the end of the year. This has raised fears that Everton may enter administration next month. The American private equity firm has provided Everton with over £100 million in loans for operating costs since reaching an agreement to buy the club from Farhad Moshiri in September, but are not willing to continue pumping in funds at Goodison Park if the takeover process is not completed by the end of the year. Everton need an additional £20 million per month for staff wages and operating costs, which is beyond the scope of their fixed income. The club faces insolvency without 777's funding, potentially leading to administration and a further nine-point deduction on top of the 10 points that have already been docked.

The convoluted labyrinth of 777's finances and corporate structure, which shelters over 60 companies in several sectors under their control, including insurance, aviation, and sport, is posing challenges for the Premier League in their assessment. The English top-flight is doing the arduous job of establishing the source and sufficiency of 777's funds, while also examining legal cases that have been filed against the companies in the United States.

The Mail adds that Premier League are reluctant to punish Everton with a second deduction of points, as it would send the Toffees plunging back into the relegation zone. However, they won't be pressured into rushing the due diligence process either, as they believe that the job at hand is complex and requires patient handling.

The report also mentions that 777 have not yet been given any potential timeline about when the Premier League could be ready with their decision. However, Everton officials are coordinating with both 777 and the Premier League to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Despite the off-the-pitch turmoil, Sean Dyche has ensured that his men remain focused on their job on the pitch. Everton have won four of their last five league matches and are currently 17th in the standings with 13 points from 16 matches, with a crucial clash against fellow strugglers Burnley up next on Saturday.