West Ham Ownership Shakeup: Kretinsky Set to Become Largest Shareholder Amid Sullivan Allegations

West Ham Faces Ownership Overhaul as Sullivan Allegations Rock the Club

West Ham United is undergoing a significant ownership restructure after two of the club's most prominent shareholders publicly condemned allegations made against co-owner David Sullivan, while simultaneously brokering a deal that will reshape the club's power structure.

Kretinsky and Gold Speak Out

Co-chairs Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have issued a strong statement of support for the women who came forward as part of a joint BBC Panorama and The Times investigation, which levelled allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against Sullivan.

"Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard," the pair said in a formal statement. "Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it."

The two co-chairs described themselves as "deeply concerned" by the findings of the investigation, adding that the full West Ham board had only been made aware of the allegations roughly a month prior, with complete details not emerging until they were made public.

Sullivan Denies All Claims

Sullivan, 77, has issued a firm denial, stating he "categorically" refutes every allegation directed at him. The claims relate to a period spanning his career across the pornography industry, newspaper publishing, and football ownership.

Further adding to the controversy, it has emerged that Sullivan had been barred from any contact with the club's women's and youth teams for the past three years due to safeguarding concerns — a measure that Kretinsky and Gold say they were only informed about this week.

"As communicated by West Ham, the board representatives of shareholders other than David Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023," they confirmed.

Ownership Deal Reshapes Club's Future

Amid the fallout, Kretinsky and Gold have moved decisively to secure the club's future by agreeing on the key terms of a share acquisition between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings — part of the broader EP Group.

Once finalised, and subject to pre-emption rights held by other shareholders and the necessary regulatory approvals, the deal would elevate Kretinsky's stake from 27% to approximately 43%, surpassing Sullivan's current 38.8% holding and making 1890 Holdings the single largest shareholder in the club.

"As the largest shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs," the statement read.

Challenges On and Off the Pitch

The timing of this off-field turbulence could hardly be more challenging for West Ham. The East London club is currently focused on securing an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation — their first drop from the top flight since 2012.

"As shareholders and directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this football club," Kretinsky and Gold affirmed, signalling their intent to stabilise the club both financially and structurally during what is undeniably one of its most turbulent periods in recent memory.