West Ham may be able to transform London Stadium into a ground more appropriate for football with UK Athletics having held preliminary discussions about quitting their 50-year deal to stage events at the stadium
As first reported by the Telegraph, UKA are discussing receiving a one-off payment to step away from their right to host events in the stadium.
Unsurprisingly, recent track and field events have failed to draw anything near decent crowds and this summer’s Anniversary Games will now be held in Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, which has been redeveloped ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Should a deal happen the opportunity arises for additional seats to be moved closer to the playing area for football.
It’s a scenario we have all been screaming for over a long time as we have become more used to the stadium since leaving Upton Park and the chance of bringing seats nearer the pitch have become a real bonus.
The club has paid only £2.5m in rent a season since moving but that contract runs out next year and they will need to pay a windfall tax of up to 30% on any profits.
Delighted that this is likely to happen, I am self congratulating as I predicted this two years ago. Kretinsky could be a key player with his financial clout. It’s a real game changer as we will own the stadium so will be well placed for sponsors and maximising commercial potential.