Everton have confirmed the departure of three board members.
Chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, finance director Grant Ingles and club legend Graeme Sharp all left their positions on Monday afternoon.
The trio had faced growing pressure as part of a four-person hierarchy who failed to attend matches at Goodison Park since allegedly receiving threats.
A decision on the fate of long-serving Blues’ chairman Bill Kenwright is set to be announced by Wednesday alongside interim boardroom appointments.
“Everton Football Club today announces its chief executive officer, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp have left their roles,” confirmed a club statement.
“The outgoing directors have worked tirelessly over recent months to assist with the preparation for a transition to a new board.
“The club is very appreciative of this generous accommodation, which is both characteristic of them, and entirely in the spirit of the best values of our club.
“A statement will be made about interim appointments and the future of the chairman in the next 48 hours.”
It is the clearest indication that majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri’s quest for fresh investment through MSP Sports Capital is nearing its conclusion.
The New York-based group entered an exclusivity agreement with the British-Iranian billionaire in a move which will diversify the club’s shareholding.
MSP’s arrival is expected to provide necessary funding for the completion of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as well as squad investment.
Property developer George Downing and investor Andy Bell, both lifelong fans, are understood to be forerunners for the temporary board positions.