Kretinsky Becomes West Ham's Largest Shareholder at 37%, Sidelining Staveley

Daniel Kretinsky has agreed to buy a further 10% of West Ham, taking his stake to 37% and making him the club's largest individual shareholder. The move parks Amanda Staveley's consortium bid for a controlling stake at the London Stadium.

Daniel Kretinsky has agreed to buy an additional 10% of West Ham United, lifting his holding to 37% and establishing him as the club's largest individual shareholder. The deal ends Amanda Staveley's consortium push, which had been in advanced talks to acquire a controlling interest at the London Stadium.

The 10% block is being acquired from the holding company of fellow Czech investor Pavel Horsky, on top of the 27% Kretinsky already controlled. Regulatory approval is required before the transaction completes.

Once cleared, he will sit alongside the Sullivan and Brady group with formal majority standing and a decisive voice on strategic direction, transfer policy and long-term planning. Kretinsky's wider business interests have already shaped the club's commercial partnerships and day-to-day stadium operations, embedding Czech influence well before this latest move.

Staveley's bid had reached late stages and was the credible challenger to Kretinsky's incremental build-up. With the Horsky shares now settled, the route to a controlling position narrows sharply. The outcome closes her path back to Premier League ownership after her exit from Newcastle United, where she was a central figure in the Saudi-led takeover.

The consolidation deepens Czech influence at the London Stadium and cements Kretinsky as the single biggest voice in the room. Sullivan and Brady remain in place, but with reduced relative weight inside the structure.

West Ham have not commented publicly beyond confirming the sale agreement. The Premier League is expected to review the change as part of its owners' and directors' test.