Sparta Prague owner Daniel Kretinsky will not acquire a 43 percent majority stake in West Ham United after a planned buyout collapsed, according to a public statement issued by co-chairman Gold. Instead, Gold has reached an agreement to sell her family’s stake to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, leaving the future ownership structure of the Premier League club in flux.
Why Daniel Kretinsky’s West Ham Takeover Collapsed
Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky currently holds a 27 percent stake in West Ham United and serves as co-chairman alongside Gold. In the middle of June, the London club announced that Kretinsky would acquire an additional 16 percent from Gold, pushing his total holding to 43 percent and granting him majority control. The transaction was initially slated for completion within several weeks, but the deal ultimately fell apart.
“Dnes 12. června jsme se s Daniel Kretinským dohodli na prodeji… bohužel od té doby se původní dohoda a další alternativy, o kterých jsme diskutovali, nepodařilo uskutečnit,” Gold stated in her public announcement regarding the failed acquisition.
Did you know? Daniel Kretinsky is the owner of Czech football club AC Sparta Praha, bringing substantial football business experience to English club boardrooms.
The Controversy Behind the Ownership Shift
The initial plan to expand Kretinsky’s voting and financial influence inside the club arrived as a direct response to a major scandal involving co-owner David Sullivan, who holds over 38 percent of the club. The 77-year-old British billionaire faced allegations of abusing his position and forcing sexual encounters with often very young women. Consequently, the former pornography industry entrepreneur and newspaper publisher stepped down from his executive leadership functions at the club in June.
Despite stepping away from daily management, Sullivan remains the largest shareholder in West Ham United, a team featuring Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek that spent the previous season navigating the competitive pressures of English football.
PCP Capital Partners Enters the Ownership Picture
With the Kretinsky agreement voided, Gold pursued alternative buyers for her family’s substantial holdings in the Premier League side. “Dosáhla jsem dohody o prodeji podílu mé rodiny konsorciu PCP Capital Partners, vedenému Amandou Staveleyovou a Mehrdadem Ghodoussim, ve spolupráci s Ashland Forest Capital Partners,” Gold announced.
The transaction faces standard regulatory hurdles and internal ownership protocols. “Tento prodej je i nadále předmětem procesu předkupní koupě, v jehož rámci mají stávající akcionáři možnost akcie koupit,” Gold explained, emphasizing her commitment to fan transparency. “I když proces ještě nebyl uzavřen, chtěla jsem být k našim fanouškům otevřená ohledně toho, jak se věci mají a jaké jsou mé záměry.”
Precedents and Industry Experience
Amanda Staveley and her firm PCP Capital Partners possess a proven track record in high-profile Premier League acquisitions. The consortium played a central role in helping the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) successfully complete a takeover of Newcastle United in 2021.
“Konsorcium přinese hluboké zkušenosti a pochopení toho, co je potřeba k vedení úspěšného fotbalového klubu, a já mám plnou důvěru v to, co může přinést West Hamu,” Gold said regarding the incoming group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns the largest share of West Ham United?
David Sullivan remains the largest individual shareholder with over 38 percent of the club’s shares.
Did Daniel Kretinsky buy West Ham United?
No. Although a deal for Kretinsky to increase his stake to 43 percent was agreed upon in June, that transaction was subsequently cancelled.
Who is buying Gold’s stake in the club?
Gold reached an agreement to sell her family’s shares to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi via PCP Capital Partners, alongside Ashland Forest Capital Partners.
Is the new takeover finalized?
Not yet. The sale remains subject to a pre-emption rights process that gives existing shareholders the option to purchase the shares first.
Stay Updated on Premier League Ownership
Want to track how boardroom shifts impact player transfers and club performance? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our latest football finance analyses.
Worth a look