Everton’s 1892 rent dispute led to the founding of Liverpool FC

31 Aug 2026, 05:00 pm IST|
Everton’s 1892 rent dispute led to the founding of Liverpool FC
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In 1892 Everton refused to pay higher rent and left Anfield after a dispute with stadium owner John Houlding, who then founded Liverpool Football Club to keep the ground occupied.

The Merseyside derby rivalry began with a bitter rent dispute, not on the pitch.

More than 130 years later, that landlord dispute has become the unlikely origin story of English football’s fiercest rivalries.

EvertonLiverpool Football ClubMerseyside DerbyJohn Houlding1892