John Textor criticizes Premier League FFP rules in Everton takeover talks

John Textor, an American businessman, is currently engaged in exclusive discussions to acquire Farhad Moshiri's majority stake in Everton, which would require him to give up his 45% share in Crystal Palace. His criticism of the Premier League's financial fair play (FFP) rules has gained attention, especially in light of Everton's recent eight-point deduction for breaching these regulations during the 2023/24 season. Textor argues that the FFP rules are fundamentally flawed, claiming they favor larger clubs with global brands, such as Liverpool and Manchester United, allowing them to spend more on player salaries without any salary cap. Textor's perspective resonates with many Everton fans who feel the financial landscape of the Premier League is skewed against smaller clubs. He emphasizes that the current system does not promote financial sustainability or the health of clubs, but rather perpetuates the dominance of established teams. He points out that while smaller clubs may have wealthy owners, they are restricted from spending their resources, which he believes is an unfair practice. The Premier League's FFP regulations permit clubs to incur losses of up to £105 million over three years, a threshold that both Everton and Nottingham Forest have exceeded. Textor's outspoken views on these rules reflect a growing discontent among club owners and fans alike, who are calling for a reevaluation of the financial regulations governing the league. As discussions continue regarding the potential takeover, Textor's stance on FFP could influence the future direction of Everton and its financial strategies, as well as the broader conversation about fairness in the Premier League's financial practices.