Daniel Kretinsky agrees to become West Ham’s largest shareholder, David Sullivan increases stake

Daniel Kretinsky said he is “deeply honoured” as he is set to become West Ham United’s largest shareholder.

Kretinsky has struck a deal with West Ham’s remaining shareholders to increase his stake from 27 per cent to 46 per cent, according to a press release sent out on behalf of the Royal Mail owner on Friday. West Ham confirmed the agreement in a club statement.

It is a blow to Amanda Staveley, the former co-owner of Newcastle United, who led a consortium with the intention of purchasing Vanessa Gold’s 25.1 per cent stake, which she inherited following the death of her father, David, in 2023.

The Athletic reported in July that Staveley had reached an agreement with the Gold family, which was subject to a pre-emption process enabling existing shareholders to buy out the Gold family’s shares. David Sullivan, who resigned as vice-chairman in June over allegations — which he has called “factually incorrect and entirely false” — made against him, has increased his stake from 38.8 per cent to 40 per cent, while Tripp Smith’s stake has grown from eight per cent to 11 per cent. Terry Brown and Daniel Harris are among the minority shareholders.

“I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to become the largest shareholder of this great club,” Kretinsky said in a statement on Friday, via the press release. “I appreciate the responsibility this brings and do not take it lightly.

“I would like to thank all continuing shareholders for their constructive efforts to enable this outcome and provide the club with the certainty it needs at this critical time. I look forward to communicating further with our supporters once the transactions are complete.”

Sullivan resigned from his role as joint chair earlier this year (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Gold, who invited Staveley to West Ham’s midweek 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, gave a statement saying: “I am pleased that the West Ham shareholders have reached an agreement, with Daniel Křetínský becoming the largest shareholder and taking a more active role in the decision-making at the club, as well as giving certainty to our fans and clarity over the future.

“My ambition through this process has been to ensure the club had the right leadership and to enable West Ham to achieve its potential and return to its rightful place in the Premier League. This agreement, which was first outlined back in June, provides that stability, allowing the club and its management to continue to focus on the football season. I want to thank Amanda Staveley and her partners for their engagement in this process and the passion they’ve shown for West Ham throughout.

“It has been an honour to serve the club as joint chair and director and to continue the legacy of my father David Gold. I will remain a small shareholder, but more importantly, I will forever be a passionate Hammers fan. I wish Daniel and the new leadership every success and thank our fans for their ongoing support and kindness.”

West Ham are playing in the Championship this season after suffering relegation last term, ending a 14-year in the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won one, drawn two and lost one in their opening four league matches.