Everton fan group 27yearscampaign send owner Farhad Moshiri a letter

fan group, 27yearscampaign, have issued an open letter to tell owner Farhad Moshiri that ‘enough is enough’ after he insisted that he is not putting the club up for sale last night.

The billionaire is said to have been in talks with the Kaminski family – with former CEO Peter Kenyon leading their consortium and hoping to agree a £500million takeover this month – but Moshiri has reiterated his stance despite growing unrest from fans.

Supporters have expressed their unhappiness with Moshiri after years of stagnation, poor transfer business and last season’s relegation battle, though the owner is determined to fight on and asked fans to judge their transfer dealings at the end of the window.

The fan group, which was created in 2022 by a group of fans concerned by the club’s on and off pitch performance to engage with Moshiri, are calling for answers to the key questions that concern them.

A social media statement read: ‘The open letter addressed to Farhad Moshiri calls for answers to the key questions that concern fans, the ownership, funding, leadership and the stadium.

‘The group believe that Moshiri’s statement last night offers little clarity and no detail and it does not provide any reassurance that the necessary changes to leadership are being made by the club. Nor does it address the issue of him listening, engaging and then acting on fan’s concerns.

‘His statement in no way reduces the validity of the concerns raised in the open letter and the group therefore call upon Moshiri to consider how he can more effectively Listen Engage and Act. 

‘Most importantly we ask him to make the changes necessary at board and executive level.

The fan group had sent an open letter to Moshiri prior to the latest developments, which was embargoed until Friday morning.

The open letter read: ‘Dear Mr Moshiri, since December of last year, the 27 Campaign has respectfully requested that you Listen, Engage and Act with regards to many fans’ concerns as to the running of our club.

‘Along with all Evertonians, we recognised the need to support the club as the relegation threat increased last season. 

‘As acknowledged extensively by the manager Frank Lampard and our team, yet only briefly by yourself in your open letter of the 8th June, the support and actions of the fans contributed enormously to our Premier League survival.

‘When news broke of a possible takeover, the 27 Campaign delayed sending a reply to your open letter in the belief that a takeover was the best outcome for you and the club.

‘However, we have to ask you to address the fans as to your plans regarding the ownership of the club, the management of the club and how it solves the obvious deficiencies of last season and recent years.

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‘Belatedly football is waking up to the idea that fans are the true custodians of their clubs. 

‘More importantly and specifically, the actions of Everton fans at the end of last season prove beyond doubt our role in helping determine the club’s future.

‘We have to be direct with you and say that your and your board’s response to the fans is inadequate and shows a lack of respect. 

‘The 27 Campaign has publicly asked that you Listen, Engage and Act but has had no response or acknowledgement from you.

‘This cannot continue.Whilst all Evertonians will continue to back Frank Lampard and the team to the hill, we must demand more from you and we will highlight your lack of engagement and the continued poor management of the club in the run up to the new season.

‘Enough is enough Mr Moshiri, respond, explain the possible change of ownership, your plans for the club, the changes to the running of the club that is desperately needed. 

‘Do not reject the pleas from those fans who wish for a better football club, one consistent with our club motto, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.

‘Yours Sincerely, The 27 Campaign.’

In a statement released on Thursday night, Moshiri denied that he was looking to sell Everton – despite being in talks with the Kenyon-led consortium in recent weeks – and insisted that he remains fully committed to finishing the club’s new stadium. 

‘Dear Evertonians,’ he wrote.’There has been much talk of investment in our football club recently – even takeovers – but I want to clarify that there is no ‘for sale’ sign currently hanging outside Everton Football Club.

‘It will always be pragmatic to explore all potential investment opportunities and, as I have been transparent about, I am focused on completing the financing for our fantastic new stadium as well as strengthening the playing squad and that might include a minority investment.That will continue.

‘But I want to reassure all of you that Everton Football Club is not for sale.

‘My commitment to the Club remains strong and focused and Kevin Thelwell and the Chairman are currently working hard to bring in new players to improve Frank Lampard’s squad.

‘There will be new signings and I would ask supporters to judge us at the end of the transfer window – not now – and to listen to official club channels for information.’

Moshiri added that he planned to be more open and communicative with Everton fans after appointing an Everton Fan Advisory Board.

The club have so far only brought in James Tarkowski on a free transfer and are in discussions with the Premier League over how much they will be able to spend on new recruits, as they comply with profit and sustainability rules.

Moshiri’s news comes at a time when there is growing tension among fans around his leadership of the club. 

This week furious supporters hung banners asking for Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright to leave the club, writing ‘Our motto is our standard’, ‘Moshiri sell up’ and ‘Bill and Co, time to go’.

The fans are part of the 27yearscampaign, named after the number of years since the club’s last trophy in the 1995 FA Cup final.

The club finished just four points above the Premier Leaguerelegation zone last season and fans earlier this month unleashed their fury on Moshiri for allowing star forward to join .