A group of Evertonians have responded to Farhad Moshiri's open letter on Thursday evening.
Everton's majority shareholder released a statement to fans regarding a wide range of issues, including the status of the club amid talks of a potential takeover. Moshiri confirmed that he does not consider the Blues as up for sale, although he had explored the investment opportunities in front of him.
The British-Iranian businessman also addressed his commitment to the club in terms of new signings, reiterating that he will support manager Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell as they look to bring in transfers - urging fans to judge the club's business at the end of the window. Alongside that was a comment around the first meeting of the fan advisory board, which took place last week at the Liver Building, to increase communication.
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However, a group of supporters do not believe Moshiri went far enough. The 27 Campaign group, who have put forward multiple protests against the running of the club in recent months, were planning to release an open letter on Friday morning before the Everton owner's message to supporters. In updated comments after Thursday evening's letter from Moshiri, however, the group believe he should have addressed more in his statement.
Comments from the group read: "The 27 Campaign issued an embargoed letter to the media due to be published at 09.00 BST Friday. The open letter addressed to Farhad Moshiri calls for answers to the key questions that concern fans, the ownership, funding, leadership and the stadium. Farhad Moshiri's statement of last night offers little clarity and no detail. It does not provide any reassurance that the necessary changes to leadership are being made by the club.
"Nor does it address the issue of him listening, engaging and then acting on fan's concerns. His statement in no way reduces the validity of the concerns raised in the open letter.
"We call upon Farhad Moshiri to consider how he can more effectively Listen Engage and Act. Most importantly we ask him to make the changes necessary at board and executive level."
Moshiri's open letter on Thursday is the second time that he has addressed supporters directly following the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign.
In their previous open letter to the majority shareholder, The 27 Campaign called on him to address rumours regarding the sale of the club and claimed that his previous silence on the issue showed a lack of respect.
The letter said: " Along with all Evertonians, we recognised the need to support the club as the relegation threat increased last season. As acknowledged extensively by the manager Frank Lampard & our team, yet only briefly by yourself in your open letter of the 8th June, the support and actions of the fans contributed enormously to our Premier League s urvival.
"Belatedly football is waking up to the idea that fans are the true custodians of their clubs. More importantly and specifically, the actions of Everton fans at the end of last season prove beyond doubt our role in helping determine the club’s future.
"We have to be direct with you and say that your and your board’s response to the fans is inadequate and shows a lack of respect. The 27 Campaign has publicly asked that you Listen, Engage and Act but has had no response or acknowledgement from you.
"This cannot continue. Whilst all Evertonians will continue to back Frank Lampard and the team to the hilt, we must demand more from you and we will highlight your lack of engagement and the continued poor management of the club in the run up to the new season.
" Enough is enough Mr Moshiri, respond, explain the possible change of ownership, your plans for the club, the changes to the running of the club that is desperately needed. Do not reject the pleas from those fans who wish for a better football club, one consistent with our club motto, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum".
In Moshiri's latest statement, which came on Thursday evening, he did address the potential sale of the club directly - and reaffirmed his commitment to Everton.
He wrote: " There has been much talk of investment in our football club recently – even takeovers – but I want to clarify that there is no ‘for sale’ sign currently hanging outside Everton Football Club. It will always be pragmatic to explore all potential investment opportunities and, as I have been transparent about, I am focused on completing the financing for our fantastic new stadium as well as strengthening the playing squad and that might include a minority investment. That will continue.
"But I want to reassure all of you that Everton Football Club is not for sale."
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