West Ham shareholders address Sullivan allegations and agree ownership deal

Two of West Ham's major shareholders have spoken out against David Sullivan after striking a deal that will see Daniel Kretinsky become the club's biggest shareholder.

>Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold said they were "deeply concerned" after allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour were levelled against Sullivan by a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation.

>Kretinsky's stake in the club will rise from 27% to 43%, exceeding Sullivan's 38.8%.

>"Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard," said Kretinsky and Gold in a statement.

>"Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it."

>Sullivan, 77, said he "categorically" denies the claims, which span the period when he made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football.

>Kretinsky and Gold said the "full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against Sullivan until approximately a month ago", but did not know the full details of the allegations until they were made public on Monday.

>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.

>Kretinsky and Gold said: "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."

>West Ham are dealing with the fall-out from the investigation at the same time as they are attempting to make an immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated for the first time since 2012.

>"As shareholders and directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this football club," said Kretinsky and Gold.

>"As such, we have reached agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, which, subject to other shareholders' pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, would make 1890 Holdings (part of the broader group EP) the largest shareholder in West Ham with an approximately 43% stake.

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

>Karren Brady stayed at West Ham despite knowing of Sullivan women's team ban

>London Stadium and West Ham women's team not aware of David Sullivan contact ban

>West Ham co-chair Daniel Kretinsky (centre) at the club's Conference League final victory in Prague in June 2023

>Kretinsky, who bought his initial stake in West Ham in November 2021, and Gold, whose late father David was Sullivan's long-term business partner, said their vision for West Ham's future is being backed by fellow shareholders Tripp Smith, Daniel Harris and Terry Brown.

>"We are taking these steps because West Ham needs to be truly united at this moment in its history," they said.

>"We expect to finalise this transaction in the next couple of weeks.

>"Once the agreement is complete, group EP and the Gold family have also agreed to vote jointly on key matters and to support the strategy targeting an immediate return to the Premier League."

>Despite failing to keep West Ham in the Premier League, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed to remain in his job to try and gain promotion from the Championship, a feat he achieved with Wolves in 2018.

>It remains to be seen what the immediate impact of the deal will have on Nuno's squad.

>West Ham lost £104.2m in the financial year to 31 May, 2025 and are heading for another substantial deficit this year.

>It was anticipated a number of their leading players would leave the club, including Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is attracting strong interest from Manchester United, although they are unwilling to spend the £80m West Ham are thought to want for him.

>Given his personal wealth - he also owns a significant stake in supermarket chain Sainsbury's - Kretinsky has the funds to inject into West Ham if needed and, together with Gold, is determined to return to the top flight at the earliest opportunity.

>However, the pair are also wanting to rebuild relationships with the club's fans, who have previously launched repeated protests against Sullivan and former vice-chair Karren Brady over the running of the club.

>"Our goal is to stabilise West Ham, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League," said the statement.

>"We are also committed to engaging with our fans and all business partners to build a stronger future for our club.

>"We believe that a strong coalition – of fans, players, management and the board – is essential to securing the bright future this club deserves. We are absolutely committed to playing our part."