Off the PitchBBC SportUnverified source· 13 Aug 2026
West Ham's Boardroom Battle Overshadows Championship Return
As West Ham prepare for life in the Championship, a complex fight for control off the pitch threatens to steal the spotlight.
West Ham
team
Who
David Sullivan, Vanessa Gold, Daniel Kretinsky, Amanda Staveley
What
Ownership struggle after Sullivan resigned and Gold sells shares
When
Two months after Sullivan's resignation
What happened. West Ham face their first Championship season in 14 years amid a complex boardroom battle, with David Sullivan resigning after allegations and Vanessa Gold selling shares to Amanda Staveley's consortium.
- Sullivan resigned as co-chair after accusations he denies.
- Gold's share sale to Staveley complicates Kretinsky's planned majority stake.
- Kretinsky sold 2% to Jakub Havrlant, raising takeover questions.
“It's like Eastenders”
— Unnamed source
The ownership uncertainty could impact the club's stability as they begin their Championship campaign.
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