West Ham United fans expecting Daniel Křetínský to become the clubs saviour and revamp the London Stadium would to well to study the billionaires form guide.
Daniel Křetínský acquired an initial stake in his boyhood club, Sparta Prague, in 2004 for £18.6 million, giving him a 40% share, with J&T Group holding the remaining 60%.
From minority investor to controlling force
Křetínský has held the title of President of Sparta Prague since 2004, effectively acting as chairman, and is widely regarded as the club’s controlling figure. He has provided long-term financial backing ever since, describing his involvement as more of a “mission” than a traditional business investment.
Before 2021, Křetínský increased his shareholding from 40% to 56%, cementing his position as the majority owner, with J&T Group retaining 44%.
Stadium vision shows long-term commitment
The Czech billionaire is currently financing a new, larger stadium project for Sparta Prague, with a proposed capacity of 35,000 and a target completion date of 2030. Reports suggest a commitment of around 4.5 billion CZK (approximately £147.5 million) for the construction of the new arena.
Fan unrest and underachievement concerns
Before 2023, many Sparta fans criticised the club’s inconsistent domestic performances under Křetínský’s leadership. Despite being historically the most successful Czech club, Sparta won only around four or five league titles during his tenure up to that point.
This led to perceptions of underachievement, particularly compared to rivals like Slavia Prague. The period was also marked by frequent managerial turnover, with over 20 coaches appointed, and visible fan unrest, including protests and criticism from ultra groups.
On-pitch turnaround and recent success
Since 2023, Sparta Prague have experienced a resurgence. They won the Czech First League in the 2022–23 season, ending a nine-year wait for the title.
The following campaign, 2023–24, saw the club achieve a domestic double, winning both the league and the Czech Cup. They also progressed to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, defeating Dinamo Zagreb before being eliminated by Liverpool FC in the Round of 16.
In the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons, Sparta have remained competitive, reaching the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since 2005 and continuing to challenge domestically.
Complex ownership structure behind the scenes
In 2021, Křetínský established the Czech-based investment vehicle 1890 Holdings on the J&T investment platform.
A 2022 Czech court document claims that 50.1% of 1890 Holdings is owned by ACSP Holding Limited, a Cypriot company reportedly 100% controlled by Křetínský. A further 24.9% is held by EP Sport Holdings, a Czech entity ultimately owned by EP Investment Sarl, also linked to Křetínský as the beneficial owner.
The remaining 25% stake is reportedly held by J&T Capital Partners, a part of the J&T Finance Group.
J&T Finance Group SE itself is primarily owned by its founders, Jozef Tkáč (45.05%) and Ivan Jakabovič (35.15%), with smaller stakes held by Rainbow Wisdom (a CITIC Chinese subsidiary) and senior managers Štěpán Ašer and Igor Kováč.
Apparantely it can be got around.
If a declaration is submitted early enough.
Marinakis did it for NF, the yank didn’t do it in time for CP
hence being shoved into the Conference League.
Anyway, let’s worry about this if and when we ever become a European contending participant.
Pretty pointless getting into now?
Would Kretinsky be allowed to own both West Ham and Sparta Prague or is the problem only if they meet in European competition?
Exactly that mate, it’s only when they both play in the same competition