An Iranian businessman, Farhad Moshiri, has purchased a 49.9-percent stake in the English football club Everton.
"After an exhaustive search, I believe we have found the perfect partner to take the club forward," said Everton chairman Bill Kenwright on Saturday.
Moshiri, a former Arsenal shareholder, reportedly paid £200 million (around $277 million) for his stake, the purchase of which is yet to be approved by England’s Premier League.
“I am delighted to take this opportunity to become a shareholder in Everton, with its rich heritage as one of Europe’s leading football clubs,” said Moshiri (seen below) who, according to US business magazine Forbes, is worth an estimated $1.3 billion.
On Friday, the 60-year-old sold his share in Arsenal F.C. to his business partner Alisher Usmanov.
“There has never been a more level playing field in the Premier League than now. Bill Kenwright has taught me what it means to be an Evertonian and I look forward with excitement to working with him to help deliver success for Everton in the future,” added Moshiri who also owns shares in several Russian and British firms.