Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire and owner of Royal Mail, is set to become West Ham United’s largest shareholder after agreeing to buy an additional stake from the Gold family. Multiple outlets report his shareholding is scheduled to rise from 27% to about 43%, following a deal involving shares owned by Vanessa Gold. The change comes as West Ham’s board faces turbulence after David Sullivan steps down as a director and co-chair following allegations made against him.
Reporting referenced by several sources says Sullivan’s resignation follows claims, reported through a joint investigation by the Times and Panorama, that date back to the 1980s and 1990s and involve allegations of abuse of power and sexual misconduct by Sullivan. The Guardian adds that Kretinsky and Gold are “deeply concerned” by the revelations.
While outlets focus on the ownership shift, they also frame it within West Ham’s broader context of scrutiny and financial instability, with observers expecting the updated ownership structure to affect decision-making at the club. Separate coverage from The Athletic describes Kretinsky’s broader approach to club management based on his ownership of Sparta Prague.
