Keith Wyness: Friedkin could step down - new Everton takeover question emerges

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Dan Friedkin could be forced to place his ownership in a blind trust if the Merseysiders and Roma qualify for the same European competition.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed Uefa should change the rules to ban one club from continental football if the scenario arises.

Friedkin is closing in on a takeover at Everton after agreeing a period of exclusivity to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake last month.

The American billionaire is already owner at Roma – who have been a fixture in European competition in recent seasons and won the Uefa Conference League in 2022.

Everton last played in Europe in the 2017-18 campaign, when they were eliminated from the Europa League at the group stage.

Friedkin faces tough Everton choice if they secure European qualification, says Wyness

Wyness suggested Friedkin will be forced to choose a club to relinquish control of if the scenario arises.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This would be a leap – for Everton and Roma to both play in the Champions League.

“But it could well be in the Europa League or Conference League also.

“The fudge Uefa have come up with is to put the club shares in a blind trust, which Friedkin would have to do if this scenario comes up.

“It’s being administered by a law firm in Cheltenham. I did some research, and I can’t see any great football knowledge.

“The idea is that you can’t then have any say on the decisions being taken during that period of time.

“In theory, that’s fine – but we all know that things can be done and messages can be given.

“It doesn’t seem to be a very clear distinction.

“It would make more sense for Uefa to ban one club from the competition. Forcing one club to step down would send a real message.

“This could come into play with Everton and Roma.”

In other news, Everton could agree new Jarrad Branthwaite deal.

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