Crystal Palace’s co-owner has verified his interest in Everton

The American businessman, John Textor, co-owner of Crystal Palace, expressed his interest in acquiring a majority shareholding in Everton, a Premier League team, in an interview with the British publication The Daily Mirror.

Textor, who also owns Olympique Lyonnais in France, Botafogo in Brazil, and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium through his company Eagle Football Group (EEFG.PA), acknowledged that he would need to relinquish his 45% interest in Crystal Palace before he could begin a bid for Everton.

“We are conducting an assessment of Everton in conjunction with all other parties.” He observed, “I would need to justify my interest in Palace before I could finalize anything.”
The businessman announced his intention to offer his shares in the South London-based club for sale in May.

Eagle Football Group is prohibited from acquiring another Premier League club unless it first divests its stake in Palace.

Everton has been in pursuit of new ownership as their financial difficulties have intensified. The American private equity firm was unable to meet the takeover deadline, resulting in the collapse of a prospective deal with investment fund 777 Partners in June.