\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kretinsky’s stake in the club will rise from 27% to 43%, exceeding Sullivan’s 38.8%.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard,” said Kretinsky and Gold in a statement.<\/p>\n
“Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it.”<\/p>\n
Sullivan, 77, said he “categorically” denies the claims, which span the period when he made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“As shareholders and directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this football club,” said Kretinsky and Gold.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“As the largest shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs.”<\/p>\n
More to follow<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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