West Ham shareholders Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have spoken out against David Sullivan following a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation.
The investigation levelled allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against Sullivan, prompting a strong response from his fellow stakeholders.
Kretinsky and Gold said they were “deeply concerned” by the allegations, expressing sympathy for those who came forward to speak publicly.
“Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard,” read a statement from Kretinsky and Gold.
“Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it.”
Sullivan, 77, said he “categorically” denies the claims, which span the period when he made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football.
Amid the fallout, Kretinsky and Gold have reached a share purchase agreement that will see Kretinsky’s stake rise from 27% to 43%, surpassing Sullivan’s current 38.8% holding.
Kretinsky and Gold revealed that the “full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against Sullivan until approximately a month ago”, and did not know full details until Monday.
Sullivan had already been banned from contact with the club’s women’s and youth teams for three years due to safeguarding concerns, though fellow board members were only informed of this measure this week.
“As communicated by West Ham, the Board representatives of shareholders other than David Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023,” the statement confirmed.
The ownership deal will see Kretinsky’s vehicle, 1890 Holdings, become West Ham’s largest shareholder, with the backing of fellow shareholders Tripp Smith, Daniel Harris and Terry Brown also secured.
“As the largest shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs,” Kretinsky and Gold confirmed in their joint statement.
Kretinsky, who first bought into West Ham in November 2021, and Gold, whose late father David was Sullivan’s long-term business partner, expect to finalise the transaction within the next couple of weeks.
The timing of the ownership shake-up is significant, with West Ham now competing in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League for the first time since 2012.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed to remain at the club and lead their promotion push, a challenge he previously succeeded in with Wolves back in 2018.
West Ham lost £104.2m in the financial year to 31 May 2025, and are heading for another substantial deficit, placing significant pressure on their transfer activity this summer.
Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes is among the players attracting outside interest, with Manchester United credited with attention, though they are reportedly unwilling to meet West Ham’s £80m asking price.
Kretinsky, who also holds a significant stake in supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, has the personal wealth to inject funds into the club should it be required.
“Our goal is to stabilise West Ham, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League,” the joint statement read.
Rebuilding trust with supporters will also be a priority, with fans having previously launched repeated protests against Sullivan and former vice-chair Karren Brady over the club’s running.
“We believe that a strong coalition – of fans, players, management and the board – is essential to securing the bright future this club deserves. We are absolutely committed to playing our part.”
