West Ham United are facing a turbulent start to their Championship season, with a significant power struggle unfolding in the boardroom. The battle centres on the 25% stake previously held by the late David Gold, now belonging to his daughter and co-chair, Vanessa Gold.
This boardroom drama coincides with allegations against co-owner David Sullivan, who stepped down from his role in June following a BBC Panorama documentary. The London Stadium's operators have recommended Sullivan, who denies the allegations, stay away from Saturday's Carabao Cup fixture against Portsmouth due to the potential for fan demonstrations.
Despite being short-odds favourites for promotion back to the Premier League, the club has experienced a challenging summer. Daniel Kretinsky, who owned 27% of West Ham, recently reduced his stake to just under 25%, a move described as part of a strategy. Amanda Staveley, who departed Newcastle in July 2024, has also reportedly entered the picture, with suggestions she aims to use similar funding sources for a move for West Ham.
On the pitch, the club has made one free agent signing, Joël Veltman, while selling Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville for a combined £140m. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo remains in the dugout, with Karim Virani returning as interim chief executive.