Who is Daniel Kretinsky, majority shareholder at Premier League club West Ham United?

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky on Saturday increased his stake in West Ham United to around 43%, becoming the club’s largest shareholder, following the resignation of co-chairman David Sullivan amid allegations of misconduct.

1890 Holdings, part of Kretinsky’s EP Group, increased its 27 percent stake, which it first acquired in November 2021, after striking a deal with West Ham’s co-chairman Vanessa Gold.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks. ⁠Sullivan resigned with immediate effect last week ⁠after the BBCthrough his investigative documentary series BBC panoramaand the Times newspaper published a joint investigation into his behavior, accusing him of «sexually exploitative and predatory behavior» toward women «going back decades.» Sullivan has denied the allegations.

Kretinsky and Gold said in a joint club statement that they were «deeply concerned» by the revelations from the club’s investigation. Times And Panorama.

“The entire West Ham United board was only made aware of these allegations against David Sullivan approximately a month ago when he informed us that certain allegations against him could be published,” the club said.

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The shakeup in the ownership structure comes at a turbulent time for the east London club, who were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of last season and will play in the second championship for the first time since the 2011-12 season. West Ham have retained manager Nuno Espirito Santo despite the fall.

“Our aim is to stabilize West Ham United, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the leadership of Nuno Espírito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League,” the statement said.

Published on June 13, 2026