The Friedkin Group (TFG) is close to finalizing a takeover of Everton Football Club, offering a lifeline to the club after years of struggle under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership. With the potential acquisition pending regulatory approval, Everton will join a growing list of EPL clubs under US ownership, reflecting a trend of ambitious and affluent owners from across the globe investing in English football.
The influx of American owners in the EPL raises concerns about potential influence on the game’s governing bodies, such as the FA and the Premier League. The impact of American ownership on the traditional English soccer pyramid, including promotion and relegation, remains a point of contention. The prospect of US owners exerting influence through voting rights and rule changes could significantly alter the landscape of English football.
The growing presence of American ownership extends beyond the EPL, with several Championship and League One clubs already under US entities’ control. The increasing number of clubs with US investment highlights the potential vulnerability of English football to external influence, especially if American owners unite to vote in a cohesive manner.
The possibility of major changes to English football, including the introduction of Americanized elements like halftime shows and rotating substitutions, raises questions about the cultural acceptance of such alterations by English soccer fans. The backlash against the proposed European Super League in 2021 exemplified the resistance of fans against drastic changes to the sport’s fundamental principles.
The financial motivations behind American ownership in elite-level soccer underscore the importance of money in driving decisions within the sport. While some US owners may prioritize aligning English football with a US sporting ethos, others with a deeper understanding of English soccer’s tradition and values may approach ownership differently. The success of Hollywood figures like Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in Wrexham demonstrates the potential for collaboration between American investors and English football clubs.
As the influence of US owners in English football continues to grow, fans may face challenges in preserving the traditional values and structure of the sport. The clash between commercial interests and fan loyalty underscores the ongoing tension between profit-driven decisions and the heritage of English soccer. In the face of the changing ownership landscape, English football fans may need to mobilize to protect the integrity of their beloved sport against external influences.