Daniel Kretinsky raised his stake in West Ham United from 27% to approximately 43%, becoming the club's largest shareholder on June 13, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He acquired additional shares from Vanessa Gold, who inherited her 25% stake after her father David Gold died in January 2023 [1, 4].
David Sullivan resigned suddenly as West Ham co-chair and director on June 6 following a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation that alleged sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour [1, 2, 3, 4]. Sullivan denies all allegations against him [1, 2, 3, 4]. The West Ham board was made aware of the allegations about one month before the story became public [1, 2, 3]. Sullivan has been banned since 2023 from contact with the club’s women’s and youth teams due to safeguarding concerns [1].
Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold issued a joint statement saying, “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” [1].
West Ham United was relegated from the Premier League last season and will compete in the Championship for the first time since 2011-12 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The club faces major financial pressures, including a £104.2 million loss last year and the need to raise more than £100 million from player sales this summer [4]. Kretinsky plans to provide additional financing to support the club’s future [1, 4].
The club stated its goal is “to stabilise West Ham United, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League” [2, 3, 4].
The Independent Football Regulator is conducting a preliminary investigation into Sullivan and may force him to divest his 38.8% stake if he fails honesty and integrity tests [4]. The next key event will be the Championship season start, with the club aiming to strengthen its position on and off the pitch.
