The net closes around 777 Partners. While a fraud case of more than 350 million euros is underway in the United States against the owners of Standard, former chairman Bruno Venanzi and the shareholders of the immobilière du Standard are uniting against the American investment group. Their goal: the seizure of the assets of 777 Partners in Belgium.
That Sunday in the catacombs of Den Dreef. The atmosphere is depressed in the Liège camp. Just finished 3-1 at OHL after an appallingly weak performance, which revealed that the players’ motivation has been reduced to zero. Even keeping up appearances is no longer possible. After the match, the selection had to sit in the dressing room for an hour and a half, while Ivan Leko reminded the players of their responsibilities one by one.
Afterwards, only right back Marlon Fossey told his story. “Maybe, maybe not,” the American replied when asked whether there was a lack of fighting ability among the Rouches. Fossey did not want to speak on behalf of his teammates, but described daily life at the club as “difficult”. He also mentioned the much-discussed payment arrears that affect the player group. “That is beyond our control. We need to know our place and do what we are paid to do… When we are paid.”
Inquiries show that wages for the month of April have still not been paid, for the umpteenth time this season. The club management is confident that this will happen without fail by Thursday, May 9. But the Standard players have been cynical about it for a long time, especially because American media have now also reported on the many problems of owner 777 Partners. “We read the newspapers and hear things. It doesn’t help at all,” Fossey admitted.
Shareholders against 777
The problems are as follows: On Saturday it was announced that 16 charges are pending in the US against 777 Partners (and strongman Josh Wander) for unpaid debts. The investment group is eyeing Everton, but the expectation is that that takeover is now definitively off the track. What is the fraud, which amounts to a total of 350 million euros, about? Simply put, all kinds of payment promises have been made that are impossible to keep.
This is what the shareholders of Immobilière du Standard (the real estate company around Sclessin in which Edmilson and Witsel, among others, invested) and former owner Bruno Venanzi would be victims of today. Before the end of April they should have received the second installment for the sale of the club. In the case of Venanzi, the amount is 5 million euros, for Immobilière investors jointly 3.5 million. However, 777 disputes those figures and will only pay if forced to do so. The signal for Venanzi and the shareholders of Immobilière to unite. Yesterday they filed a complaint to freeze the American company’s accounts.
Sporty plan?
Internally, the developments are causing a lot of unrest, both among office staff and among the players. Communication with Miami is very difficult. Everyone is fed up. Everyone craves clarity. Kostas Laifis is eagerly waiting for his contract to expire on June 30. Steven Alzate, hired from Brighton, has not cared much for months. For young people like Noubi, Çanak and Sahabo, players who represent capital, it is anything but a healthy environment in which to develop.
There doesn’t seem to be a sporting plan. At the same time, there are plenty of rumors circulating that 777 wants to sell the club. It’s fortunate that the season ends in three matchdays. What will happen next to Standard, an institution in Belgian football, is still uncertain.
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Tags: Wages paid late accounts frozen Owner Partners holds Standard hostage Sport
