Image credit: Getty Images. By Simon Stone. Lead football news correspondent. Le 13 juin 2026. Two of West Ham’s major shareholders have criticised David Sullivan after finalising a deal that will make Daniel Kretinsky the club’s largest stakeholder. Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold said they were “deeply concerned” following allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour made against Sullivan in a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation. Kretinsky’s shareholding will increase from 27% to 43%, overtaking Sullivan’s 38.8%. “Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard,” the pair said in a statement. “Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it.” Sullivan, 202021, said he “categorically” denies the claims, which date back to the time when he built his fortune in pornography, newspapers and football. Kretinsky and Gold said the “full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against Sullivan until approximately a month ago”, but they did not learn the full details until the claims were made public on Monday. Sullivan has been barred from having any contact with the club’s women’s and youth teams for the past three years due to safeguarding concerns. Kretinsky and Gold said: “As communicated by West Ham, the Board representatives of shareholders other than David Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023.” West Ham are handling the repercussions of the investigation while also trying to secure an immediate return to the Premier League following their first relegation since 2012. “As shareholders and directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this football club,” said Kretinsky and Gold. “As such, we have reached agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, which, subject to other shareholders’ pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, would make 1890 Holdings (part of the broader group EP) the largest shareholder in West Ham with an approximately 43% stake. “As the largest shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs.” Karren Brady remained at West Ham even after learning of Sullivan’s ban on the women’s team.