CLUB STATEMENT

Everton Football Club was today asked by Christopher Samuelson of the Fortress Sports Fund for a 14 day extension to the exclusivity clause, which expired on Monday, regarding their proposed investment in Everton FC.

Samuelson said: "We are in the final stages of completing the transaction and while we had hoped to have this in place by the AGM the extensive administration with international regulators has delayed the closing of the transaction.

"I have assured Bill Kenwright that the money is in place and that we are close to being able to release it as we have indicated.

"I am grateful to everyone for their patience and we are focused on delivering this investment to ensure we can help to keep Everton going on the successful path it is on this season."

Keith Wyness, Everton CEO, added: "We are obviously keen to see this through and have agreed to extend the period of exclusivity for the Fortress Sports Fund.

"We have relied on their undertakings that the money will be forthcoming and we are hopeful that this will be the case."