West Ham United are back in the Championship after a 14-year absence, but their return to the second tier is overshadowed by a power struggle for ownership and serious historic allegations against former chairman David Sullivan.
Sullivan resigned in June after West Ham were made aware of impending publications detailing allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour, which he denies. Despite his resignation and a warning to stay away from men's first-team games, Sullivan remains the club's largest shareholder, holding a 38.8 per cent stake.
Former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley has entered the fray, agreeing last week to purchase a 25.1 per cent stake from the family of the late David Gold for £150m. Staveley's consortium is now reportedly aiming to buy Sullivan's remaining shares, though co-owner Daniel Kretinsky, a Czech billionaire with a minority stake, could influence the outcome.
Optimism among fans for the new season is evident, with approximately 50,000 season tickets sold. The club has also made a promising start to the transfer window, securing captain Jarrod Bowen and generating £148m from the sales of Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville, and Freddie Potts. Defender Joel Veltman from Brighton has been the only new signing since these sales, though several key players from last season's squad remain.
West Ham will begin their Championship campaign against Burnley on August 16, led by coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who has previously won the league.