Blab Business
Daniel Kretinsky to Become West Ham Uniteds Largest Shareholder Amid Ownership Shake-Up
Daniel Kretinsky is poised to become West Ham United’s largest shareholder, a move that could reshape the club’s fortunes amid a turbulent ownership shuffle. The Czech billionaire, who already controls a 27 % stake through 1890 Holdings, will lift his holding to roughly 43 % after purchasing an additional block from the Gold family, according to a deal announced on 13 June 2026.
The transaction will put 1890 Holdings ahead of David Sullivan, who now owns 38.8 % and has just stepped down as joint chairman. With West Ham relegated from the Premier League at the close of the 2025‑26 season, the club will compete in the EFL Championship next year, making the new ownership structure crucial for a swift return.
For years the club’s ownership has been dominated by three major shareholders: Sullivan, the largest single holder; Vanessa Gold, who inherited her father David Gold’s stake in 2023; and Kretinsky, whose EP group has long been a silent partner. The added stake will not only make 1890 Holdings the biggest shareholder but also give EP the capacity to inject further financing.
In a joint statement, Kretinsky and Gold said they had reached an agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction. The deal is subject to pre‑emption rights and the necessary approvals of other shareholders. Once completed, 1890 Holdings would hold about 43 % of the club. The parties expect to finalise the transaction in the next couple of weeks and will vote jointly on key matters, supporting a strategy that targets an immediate return to the Premier League.
The announcement comes in the wake of David Sullivan’s resignation as joint chairman after he was informed that allegations of misconduct would be published. Sullivan has denied the claims made by BBC Panorama and The Times and has said he intends to sue. Kretinsky and Gold said they were “deeply concerned” by the allegations and reiterated that the club’s board was only made aware of them a month ago when Sullivan notified them.
The joint statement added: “We were deeply concerned by the revelations made by The Times and Panorama this week and our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard. Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it. The full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against Mr Sullivan until approximately a month ago, when he informed us that certain allegations against him may be published. However, the full details of the allegations, which Mr Sullivan denies, only became apparent when they were made public on June 8. In addition, as communicated by West Ham, the board representatives of shareholders other than Mr Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023.”
They went on to say that, as shareholders and directors, their focus is now on protecting the future of the club. They aim to stabilise West Ham, retain key players, and, under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League. They also pledged to engage with fans and business partners to build a stronger future.
The deal’s timing and the surrounding allegations could affect West Ham’s reputation and its ability to attract investment. The club will need to secure the necessary shareholder approvals and navigate the Football Association’s safeguarding framework. The new ownership structure may provide the financial backing required to rebuild the squad, but the club’s performance in the Championship will ultimately determine whether the Premier League return goal can be achieved.
At present, the transaction is pending regulatory and shareholder approvals and is expected to be finalised within the next few weeks. Sullivan’s legal actions remain unresolved, and the club’s future will hinge on how the new ownership group manages the financial, regulatory, and reputational challenges that lie ahead.
The transaction will put 1890 Holdings ahead of David Sullivan, who now owns 38.8 % and has just stepped down as joint chairman. With West Ham relegated from the Premier League at the close of the 2025‑26 season, the club will compete in the EFL Championship next year, making the new ownership structure crucial for a swift return.
For years the club’s ownership has been dominated by three major shareholders: Sullivan, the largest single holder; Vanessa Gold, who inherited her father David Gold’s stake in 2023; and Kretinsky, whose EP group has long been a silent partner. The added stake will not only make 1890 Holdings the biggest shareholder but also give EP the capacity to inject further financing.
In a joint statement, Kretinsky and Gold said they had reached an agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction. The deal is subject to pre‑emption rights and the necessary approvals of other shareholders. Once completed, 1890 Holdings would hold about 43 % of the club. The parties expect to finalise the transaction in the next couple of weeks and will vote jointly on key matters, supporting a strategy that targets an immediate return to the Premier League.
The announcement comes in the wake of David Sullivan’s resignation as joint chairman after he was informed that allegations of misconduct would be published. Sullivan has denied the claims made by BBC Panorama and The Times and has said he intends to sue. Kretinsky and Gold said they were “deeply concerned” by the allegations and reiterated that the club’s board was only made aware of them a month ago when Sullivan notified them.
The joint statement added: “We were deeply concerned by the revelations made by The Times and Panorama this week and our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard. Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it. The full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against Mr Sullivan until approximately a month ago, when he informed us that certain allegations against him may be published. However, the full details of the allegations, which Mr Sullivan denies, only became apparent when they were made public on June 8. In addition, as communicated by West Ham, the board representatives of shareholders other than Mr Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023.”
They went on to say that, as shareholders and directors, their focus is now on protecting the future of the club. They aim to stabilise West Ham, retain key players, and, under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League. They also pledged to engage with fans and business partners to build a stronger future.
The deal’s timing and the surrounding allegations could affect West Ham’s reputation and its ability to attract investment. The club will need to secure the necessary shareholder approvals and navigate the Football Association’s safeguarding framework. The new ownership structure may provide the financial backing required to rebuild the squad, but the club’s performance in the Championship will ultimately determine whether the Premier League return goal can be achieved.
At present, the transaction is pending regulatory and shareholder approvals and is expected to be finalised within the next few weeks. Sullivan’s legal actions remain unresolved, and the club’s future will hinge on how the new ownership group manages the financial, regulatory, and reputational challenges that lie ahead.
