The American investment firm awaiting approval for the formal takeover of Everton could end up having provided more than £100m in funding by the time they get the green light.

Miami-based 777 Partners are currently going through the process of obtaining regulatory approval from the Football Association, Premier League and Financial Conduct Authority in order to complete the purchase of Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% majority stake in the club, which was agreed back in September.

The outcome is by no means a given, although sources close to the firm remain confident that approval will be granted by the three bodies. A decision is expected before Christmas on whether or not the regulators have been satisfied with the submissions of 777 Partners, with one of the key issues likely to focus on proof of funds for the acquisition.

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Despite no guarantees of completing a successful takeover, 777 Partners, the ECHO understands, have already provided around £81m in working capital to allow the club to meet a number of financial commitments, including the ongoing development of the stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and also the club’s payroll. Sources claim that the sum could well tip £100m in terms of money provided for working capital by the time a deal is rubber stamped.

The providing of funds ahead of a takeover being approved carries significant risk for 777 Partners. Should they be unsuccessful, or choose to walk away from the deal, then they would find themselves as secondary debtors behind major creditors such as Rights and Media Funding Limited, Metro Bank and MSP Sports Capital. The money provided so far by 777 Partners has been done so via good faith payments, where the funds provided can be used to pay down the purchase price but also may be non-fundable, representing a potential sunk cost.

Moshiri’s desire to continue to fund Everton has diminished, with the Iranian/British billionaire looking for a swift exit. A not insignificant portion of Moshiri’s fortune has been tied up in his minority shareholding of Russian firm and former Everton sponsor USM, of which he used to be a board member. Due to the sanctions placed upon Russian-linked individuals and businesses in the wake of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, Everton ended their sponsorship deals with firms such as USM and MegaFon.

On Friday, Everton were landed with the biggest points deduction in Premier League history after an independent commission found them guilty of the charges brought against them by the Premier League in March relating to breaches of profit and sustainability rules. The independent commission handed the club a 10-point penalty, applicable immediately.

Everton have announced an intention to appeal that verdict. The decision has kicked open the door to potential compensation claims to be made by four clubs; Burnley, Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton. The clubs will need to successfully argue causation, that the steps taken by Everton provided them with a competitive advantage that helped them retain their lucrative top flight status at the expense of relegated clubs.