Daniel Kretinsky to become West Ham's largest shareholder

Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky is set to become the largest shareholder of West Ham United after agreeing to acquire a 46% stake in the club. The deal follows a complex series of negotiations regarding shares previously held by the Gold family.

As part of the agreement, former chairman David Sullivan will increase his own stake in the club to 40%, while another major shareholder, Tripp Smith, will move to 11%. The remaining shares are held by other minority investors.

The move effectively puts an end to former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley's hopes of investing in the club. Staveley had previously reached an agreement to purchase the entire stake held by co-chair Vanessa Gold, but this triggered pre-emption rights that gave existing directors first refusal on the sale.

David Sullivan remains under the scrutiny of an independent regulator regarding his suitability as an owner under the ODSE regime. However, sources suggest this latest shift in share ownership will not trigger further examination by the authorities.