West Ham United is on the verge of a major ownership shift after Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky reached an agreement that will make him the club's largest shareholder, while he and fellow director Vanessa Gold publicly criticised current majority owner David Sullivan.
Kretinsky, who currently holds a 27% stake in the club, is set to increase his shareholding to approximately 43%, surpassing Sullivan's 38.8%.
The deal, agreed in principle between the Gold family and Kretinsky's 1890 Holdings, remains subject to approvals and shareholders' pre-emption rights.
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of Sullivan following allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour revealed in a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation.
Sullivan, 77, has strongly denied the accusations, stating that he "categorically" rejects the claims.
In a joint statement, Kretinsky and Gold expressed support for the women involved in the allegations.
"Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard," they said.
"Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it."
The pair also revealed that the full West Ham board was only informed of the allegations around a month ago and did not receive full details until they became public.
They added that non-Sullivan board members were only made aware this week that safeguarding measures had been in place since 2023, preventing Sullivan from having contact with the club's women's and youth teams.
Despite the off-field turmoil, West Ham's leadership remains focused on rebuilding following relegation from the Premier League.
Kretinsky and Gold said the proposed ownership restructuring is designed to provide stability and unite the club at a critical moment.
"We are taking these steps because West Ham needs to be truly united at this moment in its history," the statement said.
They added that once the transaction is completed, Group EP and the Gold family will vote together on key decisions and support a strategy aimed at securing an immediate return to the Premier League.
Kretinsky's increased influence could prove crucial as West Ham face significant financial challenges.
The club recorded losses of £104.2 million for the year ending 31 May 2025 and is expected to post another substantial deficit this season.
While speculation continues over the futures of several key players, including sought-after midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Kretinsky's considerable wealth is expected to strengthen the club's financial position and reduce pressure to sell assets.
The ownership group has also pledged to improve relations with supporters, many of whom have staged protests against Sullivan and former vice-chair Karren Brady in recent years.
"Our goal is to stabilise West Ham, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League," the statement said.
"We are also committed to engaging with our fans and all business partners to build a stronger future for our club."
"We believe that a strong coalition of fans, players, management and the board is essential to securing the bright future this club deserves."
Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed to remain in charge despite the club's relegation and will lead the Hammers' bid for promotion back to the top flight.
