Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has increased his stake in West Ham United to around 43%, becoming the club's largest shareholder. Kretinsky, who is also the owner of Royal Mail, secured the position after agreeing to buy an additional stake in the club from the Gold family, overtaking David Sullivan.
The ownership shift follows the resignation of co-chairman David Sullivan, who stepped down as a director and co-chair last weekend. Sullivan's departure comes amid allegations of misconduct reported in a joint investigation by the Times and Panorama, as well as a BBC investigation. Seven women have accused Sullivan of abusing his power and preying on them for sex in claims that date back to the 1980s and 90s.
Co-chairs Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have backed the women who came forward to speak out in the BBC investigation. Kretinsky's increased power occurs as he becomes the biggest shareholder of the scandal-hit English football club.