Billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is weighing a move to become West Ham United’s shareholder. Sources say he has opened talks with Vanessa Gold, who inherited her father’s stake after his death in 2023, to purchase part or all of her holding. The negotiations are one option Kretinsky is exploring, though no deal is finalised. If successful, Kretinsky would overtake Sullivan’s position as the club’s controlling voice.

Sullivan, who currently controls 38.8% of the club, faces mounting pressure after historic sexual‑abuse allegations surfaced. He denied the claims but resigned as director and co‑chair ahead of a joint BBC‑Times investigation. The new independent football regulator may compel him to sell the remainder of his stake, raising questions about the club’s governance and future financing, and possible sanctions for the league.

Kretinsky already owns 27% of West Ham, a stake he bought in 2021 for £150 million, taking shares from Sullivan and Gold. His broader empire spans energy, retail and media, including a recent £3.6 billion takeover of International Distribution Services. Securing the top share could give him decisive influence over a club recently relegated from the Premier League, reshaping its ownership structure and voting rights.