Dan Friedkin has described Roma's stadium approval and current Serie A position as a 'great moment' for the club, in contrast to the criticism directed at his ownership of Everton following a difficult summer transfer window.
The Friedkin Group, which owns both Everton and Roma, has faced scrutiny over its strategy and spending at Everton. However, the company has received formal approval to build a new stadium for Roma costing more than one billion pounds.
Roma stadium plans approved
The plan for the 60,605-capacity venue, to be built in the Pietralata district over six miles east of Roma's Stadio Olimpico, was approved by the Conferenza dei Servizi on Monday afternoon. The technical and economic feasibility project was signed off, with the goal of laying the foundation stone next spring.
Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri praised the Friedkins for their investment. He said: "I thank Roma and the Friedkin family for their investment of over €1bn and for the professionalism with which the entire planning process was handled. I also thank the Lazio Region, the Government's Special Commissioner Massimo Sessa, and all the institutions that worked together to achieve this historic result. The new stadium that Roma has been waiting for since the days of Dino Viola is now within reach."
Gualtieri added: "Now we will launch the tender process. Construction can begin in early 2027, and the work is projected to take two and a half years. We are therefore on track to see the stadium completed by the end of 2029."
Friedkin 'bullish' at European clubs meeting
Dan Friedkin, one of nine executive committee members, appeared 'bullish' at the European Football Clubs General Assembly held in Copenhagen on Tuesday, according to Roma Press. The report described how Friedkin "puffed out his chest" when Roma was mentioned and expressed satisfaction with the club's current situation.
As Corriere dello Sport reports, Friedkin said: "Between the stadium and first place, it's truly a great moment for us." Roma currently top Serie A under the Friedkin Group's ownership.
Everton transfer window under fire
In contrast, Everton faced criticism for their transfer activity. Despite chief executive Angus Kinnear predicting the club would "spend more than most of our competitors," Everton ended the window 15th among Premier League clubs in net spend and were one of just six teams to make a trading profit.
The club sold over £100million worth of players on deadline day, including Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroegbunam, and Nathan Patterson, with Adam Aznou loaned out. A late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed, leaving Everton with a first-team squad of just 18 outfield players, including only one striker, left-back, and right-back.
Sports journalist Henry Winter said: "At the very least, Everton owe their frustrated fans some form of explanation for that chaotic, embarrassing and deeply disappointing transfer window." Phil McNulty of BBC Sport and Andy Hunter of the Guardian both described the situation as "a shambles."
