West Ham’s Gold family reach deal to sell stake to Staveley
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
David Gold's family have agreed to sell their 25% stake in West Ham United to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, but the sale is not yet complete and faces a potential challenge from existing shareholder Daniel Kretinsky. Vanessa Gold, daughter of the late David Gold, confirmed the agreement in a statement, saying she wanted new ownership capable of returning the relegated Championship club to the Premier League, while Kretinsky's camp said it was reviewing options including exercising pre-emption rights that could let current shareholders buy the shares first.
The consortium comprises Staveley, her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, PCP Capital Partners and Ashland Forest Capital Partners, with Staveley and Ghodoussi previously involved in Newcastle United's Saudi-backed takeover before selling their stake in 2024. An earlier deal that would have seen Kretinsky's holding rise from 27% to 43%, overtaking David Sullivan's 38.8% stake, collapsed in June amid the fallout from allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour against Sullivan, which he denies; Gold and Kretinsky had previously voiced shared concern over those allegations, but Kretinsky's spokesperson said the new announcement undermined the stability their June agreement had provided.
- Gold family agree to sell 25% West Ham stake to Amanda Staveley's consortium
- Kretinsky may contest sale using pre-emption shareholder rights
- Deal follows collapse of earlier Kretinsky agreement amid Sullivan misconduct claims
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West Ham United is a London football club with a long history in English football. It has recently been relegated to the Championship, the division below the Premier League, and is seeking a return to the top flight.
The club is owned by several major shareholders rather than one sole owner. David Sullivan holds the largest stake, while the late David Gold’s family and Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky also own substantial shares.
Amanda Staveley is a British dealmaker known for involvement in football investment, including the takeover of Newcastle United. The proposed sale matters because a new investor could influence West Ham’s finances and future plans, while rules giving existing shareholders first refusal could change who ultimately buys the stake.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the sale argue that Amanda Staveley’s consortium could bring fresh capital, commercial expertise and renewed strategic focus at an important moment for West Ham. They may see an outside investor group as a way to strengthen the club’s prospects of returning to the Premier League while respecting the Gold family’s right to choose a buyer for its stake. This case values investment, renewal and a clear plan for the club’s long-term competitiveness.
The case against
Those favouring use of pre-emption rights argue that existing shareholders should be able to protect the ownership balance and governance arrangements they entered into. Daniel Kretinsky may reasonably contend that acquiring the shares himself would provide continuity, avoid introducing a new power centre and prevent a transaction that could alter influence within the club without current investors having the agreed opportunity to respond. This case values contractual fairness, stability and orderly stewardship.
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Originally published by BBC Sport as “Gold family agree to sell West Ham stake to Staveley”.