Premier League Everton are set to have new owners after Farhad Moshiri agreed to sell his 94% stake in the club to American investment fund 777 Partners.

The takeover would bring to an end the tumultuous tenure of British-Iranian Moshiri, who first invested in 2016.

The sale is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, subject to Premier League, Football Association and Financial Conduct Authority approval.

The takeover would mean half of the 20 top-flight clubs are American-owned.

Moshiri said in a statement: “The nature of ownership and financing of top football clubs has changed immeasurably since I first invested in Everton over seven years ago.

“The days of an owner/benefactor are seemingly out of reach for most, and the biggest clubs are now typically owned by well-resourced private equity firms, specialist sports investors or state-backed companies and funds.”

777 founder Josh Wander said: “We are truly humbled by the opportunity to become part of the Everton family as custodians of the club, and consider it a privilege to be able to build on its proud heritage and values.

“Our primary objective is to work with fans and stakeholders to develop the sporting and commercial infrastructure for the men’s and women’s teams that will deliver results for future generations of Everton supporters.”

Asante Kotoko have confirmed the appointment of goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim as the club’s new captain ahead of their Ghana Premier League opener against the newly promoted Heart of Lions on Sunday in Kumasi. 

The goalkeeper, who is entering his eighth year with the club, had the experience of wearing the armband temporarily last season.

However, the 2021 AFCON U-20 winner and now Black Stars shot-stopper will take over the armband on a permanent basis following the departure of former skipper Richard Boadu, who joined Libyan club, Al Ahly.

Cameroonian, Georges Mfegue, and Richmond Lamptey will be vice-captains per head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum.

“It’s a huge honour for me to be named the new club captain,” He tells scasantekotoko.com.

“I will say it’s a blessing, and I give thanks to the Almighty Allah, to our noble technical staff and head coach, Prosper Ogum, and to our great supporters.

“I am very grateful for this, and I promise to serve wholeheartedly like I have always done since I joined [this club].”

Danlad joined Kotoko in August 2016, and made his senior debut in 2019, keeping the post in the absence of our former captain, Felix Annan in the Normalisation Committee’s special competition semifinal triumph against Hearts of Oak and also made his Ghana Premier League debut against Aduana Stars in the 2021-2022 league winning season.

Dreams FC assistant coach Winfred Dormon has disclosed that the team’s major target in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign is to reach the money zone.

The ‘Still Believe’ lads after winning the MTN FA Cup began their African campaign on a good note having triumphed over Guinean side Milo FC in the first preliminary round. After drawing in the first leg in Conakry Dreams FC recorded a 2-1 victory at home to advance to the next stage of the competition.

With a spot in the group stage [money zone] up for grabs, the team will now square off against Sierra Leonean outfit Kallon FC in the next round. The first leg of the match is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ahead of the game, Dormon expressed optimism and revealed the team’s ultimate goal in their maiden campaign in African inter-club competitions.

He stated the team’s readiness while citing a few injury issues as well.

“Preparation has gone on very well. We have been positive. Yes, we have some minor injuries but the medical team are working very hard to ensure we have a full house.

“Our last training session was on the Accra Stadium pitch and the team is looking very ready.

“It’s a big call and a very important match as far as the history of this club is concerned. Our main objective is to make the money zone.”

The first leg will kick off at 16:00GMT with Dreams FC hoping for a positive result before travelling for the return fixture the following week.