West Ham United ownership fight intensifies as Kretinsky blocks Staveley bid

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has taken steps to prevent Amanda Staveley's consortium from acquiring a stake in West Ham United. By reducing his own holding to just under 25% through a sale of more than two percent to entrepreneur Jakub Havrlant, Kretinsky can use his pre‑emptive rights to bid for the Gold family’s 25.1% share without pushing his total ownership above the 50% threshold that would trigger a clause requiring him to buy David Sullivan’s 38.8% stake at a higher price.

Staveley's group had agreed to a £150 million deal to purchase the Gold family’s stake, offering a valuation of £600 million for the whole club. Kretinsky’s maneuver aims to secure the Gold shares in the second bidding round, potentially giving him effective control of the Premier League club and thwarting Staveley’s plans. The dispute follows Sullivan’s recent resignation amid historic sexual‑misconduct allegations.

If successful, Kretinsky would become West Ham’s largest shareholder, reshaping the club’s ownership structure while the consortium led by Staveley looks for alternative routes, possibly involving American investor Albert Tripp Smith, who holds an 8% stake.