West Ham United is grappling with a complex battle for control of the club, casting a shadow over their first Championship campaign in 14 years. Co-chair Vanessa Gold has agreed to sell her entire shareholding to a consortium led by former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley.
This development follows Gold's initial agreement with fellow co-chair Daniel Kretinsky, which would have seen the Czech billionaire become the club's dominant shareholder. However, that deal was never completed, and Kretinsky, who owns 27% of West Ham, reacted with dismay to Gold's decision.
Kretinsky subsequently sold just over 2% of his shares to countryman Jakub Havrlant. This move has raised questions about how any takeover can be completed within the club's existing shareholder agreements, which include pre-emption rights requiring shares to be offered to existing shareholders first.
David Sullivan, who resigned as co-chair two months ago, remains the club's largest shareholder with 38.8%. There have been suggestions that Staveley's consortium has also made an offer for Sullivan's stake, though this remains unconfirmed.