£550m Everton takeover could be OFF as US investigates buyers over money laundering allegations

AN investigation opened by a US Department of Justice prosecutor could kill off the planned £550m Everton takeover by 777 Partners.

Nicolas Roos, as assistant attorney in the Southern District of New York, is understood to be probing money-laundering allegations against the Miami-based company.

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Everton’s buy-out could now be uncertain[/caption]

While 777 Partners have robustly denied all allegations against them, the launch of a formal investigation would allow Premier League chiefs to block the deal on the spot.

New rules, introduced unanimously by the 20 top-flight clubs in March, granted the League “the power to stop” potential club bosses who are “under investigation for conduct that would result in a ‘Disqualifying Event’ if proven”.

Those ‘Disqualifying Events’ now include “violence, corruption, fraud and tax evasion”. It doesn’t augur well.

Farhad Moshiri agreed in September to sell his 94% stake in Everton to 777 Partners.

And the 12-week timeline initially given for that sale is now up.

But before news of the US investigation the Toffees were still confident the deal could be completed by Christmas.

The Prem are currently putting 777 co-owners Josh Wander and Steven Pasko through the Owners and Directors’ Test.

Everton are already reeling from having 10 points deducted for a single breach of Prem financial rules.

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That means Sean Dyche‘s men will enter Thursday’s home clash with Newcastle in the relegation zone.

But Dwight McNeil’s fine goal last Saturday clinched the Toffees’ first win since their points penalty in mid-November, 1-0 at Nottingham Forest.