Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire who owns Royal Mail, is set to become the largest shareholder in West Ham United after agreeing to buy an additional stake from the Gold family, as the club grapples with the fallout from historical allegations of sexual misconduct against former co-chair David Sullivan.
The ownership restructuring comes after a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times reported that seven women have accused Sullivan of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, with claims dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan, 77, who made his fortune from pornography, newspapers and football, "categorically" denies the allegations and has said he will launch legal action against the BBC. He stepped down as co-chair and director of West Ham last weekend, before the allegations were made public, but still retains his 38.8% stake in the club.
“Explains West Ham's ownership shake-up after David Sullivan allegations and Daniel Kretinsky's takeover.”
Kretinsky, who bought his initial 27% stake in West Ham in November 2021, will now increase his holding to approximately 43% by purchasing shares from Vanessa Gold, who inherited her 25% stake after the death of her father, David Gold, in January 2023. The deal, announced on 13 June 2026, is subject to other shareholders' pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, but is expected to be ratified in the coming weeks. In a joint statement, Kretinsky and Gold said they were "deeply concerned" by the revelations and that their "thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard."
The statement also revealed that the full West Ham board was not notified about the allegations against Sullivan until approximately a month ago, and that board representatives of shareholders other than Sullivan were only made aware this week of safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023. Sullivan has been banned from having contact with the club's women's and youth teams for the last three years because of safeguarding concerns.
For UK readers, the upheaval at West Ham is significant not only because the club is a Premier League institution that was relegated last month, but also because it tests the powers of the newly established Independent Football Regulator (IFR). The IFR has the power to force Sullivan to divest his shares if it concludes he no longer meets the required standards of honesty and integrity to own a football club. The IFR has already begun preliminary inquiries into the allegations, with non-executive director Tara Warren recused from any potential investigation due to her previous role as a senior director at West Ham.
Kretinsky and Gold have said they have "agreed to vote jointly on key matters and to support the strategy targeting an immediate return to the Premier League" under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. As the largest shareholder, Kretinsky's group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs after relegation plunged it into major financial difficulties. It remains unclear whether Sullivan intends to sell his 38.8% stake, though the IFR could ultimately force a sale.
Q: What are the allegations against David Sullivan? A: A joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation reported that seven women have accused Sullivan of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, with claims dating from the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan categorically denies the allegations and says he will launch legal action against the BBC.
Q: Who is Daniel Kretinsky? A: Daniel Kretinsky is a Czech billionaire who currently owns 27% of West Ham and also owns Royal Mail. He will become the club's largest shareholder with a 43% stake after buying shares from the Gold family. He has said he will provide additional financing to help West Ham return to the Premier League.
Q: What happens next for West Ham? A: The share purchase deal is expected to be ratified in the coming weeks, with Kretinsky and Gold voting jointly on key matters. The club is in financial difficulties after relegation and needs investment. The Independent Football Regulator may also investigate whether Sullivan should be allowed to keep his shares, which could force a sale.
The immediate focus is on stabilising the club, retaining key players, and building a squad capable of winning promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo. The outcome of the IFR's preliminary inquiries will also determine Sullivan's future involvement.