Everton make decision on bulldozing Goodison Park after Farhad Moshiri hint

have confirmed that Goodison Park will become the new permanent home of the club's women's team, with the men's squad set to move to a new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock. Everton Women had played their matches at Walton Hall Park, though they were in need of a "more suitable" venue which Goodison will provide.

Former club owner Farhad Moshiri said on Monday that "by 2028 Goodison should be demolished" but the new hierarchy have taken a different view, wanting to keep Goodison "at the heart of Everton's community". It will also stage selected academy matches, while Walton Hall Park will serve grassroots programmes for women's and girls' football in the area.

Angus Kinnear, Everton CEO, said: "We know how treasured Goodison is, not only to every Evertonian, but to the game itself, and being able to keep such an iconic stadium at the heart of the legacy project is something that has been incredibly important to us.

"From next season, we are proud to say our women will have an unrivalled permanent home in the WSL (Women's Super League) - another statement of intent as we look to build the foundations that will help us challenge for trophies.

"The women's game has grown significantly in recent years, and we believe that growth will continue and accelerate. We're under no illusions; there are obstacles we need to overcome to make this a success both practically and economically, but we're confident that we will overcome those challenges.

"The value of investing in the women's game has been demonstrated by our ownership group at AS Roma, with impressive results on the pitch. We believe Everton Women can emulate that success and go even further, with one of the most revered grounds in the history of the game as their permanent home."

Megan Finnigan, captain of Everton Women, added: "This move is a testament to where the women's game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading. Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community.

"Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight - and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting."

An in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project by The Friedkin Group took place following their takeover of the club in December, tasked with defining the future of Goodison Park as the outfit .

Everton Women previously had a maximum capacity of 2,200, but from the 2025/26 season, as many as 39,572 fans can cheer the team on, in the largest WSL-only stadium.

They finished in eighth place and signed off with a 1-1 draw against , with head coach Brian Sorensen excited for the future on Merseyside.

"Moving to Goodison Park is a huge moment for everyone connected to Everton Women," he said. "To call one of the most iconic stadiums in world football our permanent home is a privilege-and a clear sign of the ambition this club has for the women's team.

"Our players will now have a stage that matches their potential, our fans will have a place to build an even stronger matchday culture, and young girls across Merseyside will see that this is a club where dreams can grow and come true.

"We are incredibly grateful to The Friedkin Group, the wider board for believing in what this team can achieve as well as leaders in our game like Nikki Doucet for giving us a platform for continued growth. Goodison will give us a new identity, the chance to build on an incredible legacy and allow our fans to create an energy every time we step onto the pitch."