Kretinsky to become West Ham’s largest shareholder, addresses Sullivan allegations

Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire who already owns a chunk of West Ham United, is about to become the club’s single largest shareholder. His investment vehicle, 1890 Holdings, is acquiring shares from Vanessa Gold that will push his ownership from 27% to roughly 43%, leapfrogging co-owner David Sullivan’s 38.8% stake.

The timing here is not subtle. Sullivan recently resigned from his position amid allegations of improper personal conduct, and both Kretinsky and Gold have publicly stated they are “deeply concerned” by the revelations.

How the deal is structured

Vanessa Gold inherited her stake in West Ham from her late father, David Gold, who passed away in January 2023.

Kretinsky first entered the picture in November 2021, paying approximately £150 million for his initial 27% stake. That deal included options for further acquisitions at predetermined prices from both Sullivan and Gold, essentially building a conveyor belt toward majority ownership.

This latest transaction exercises part of that pathway. The deal is still subject to shareholder approvals and pre-emption rights, the standard procedural hurdles in English football ownership transfers.

Sullivan’s 38.8% stake is now under review by the Independent Football Regulator, adding another layer of uncertainty to the ownership picture.

Who is Daniel Kretinsky

Kretinsky controls Royal Mail, the UK’s postal service, and holds investments across energy, media, and retail sectors throughout Europe.

What this means for West Ham’s future

At 43%, Kretinsky would be the largest single shareholder but would not yet hold outright majority control. Sullivan’s 38.8% remains significant, assuming the football regulator doesn’t force a divestiture.

The joint statement from Kretinsky and Gold signals alignment between the two parties. If they continue to vote together on club matters, their combined stake would represent a commanding majority.

West Ham’s recent relegation from the Premier League adds considerable financial pressure to the equation. Premier League broadcasting revenue dwarfs what Championship clubs receive, and dropping a division fundamentally changes the economics of club ownership.

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