West Ham’s Secret Share Deal Revealed – Staveley’s Route Is Closed

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

We now have a much clearer picture of how Amanda Staveley’s attempt to buy into West Ham was blocked — and it wasn’t simply a case of Daniel Křetínský buying more shares.

West Ham’s existing shareholders exercised their pre-emption rights over Vanessa Gold’s stake before subsequently redistributing shares amongst themselves in an arrangement designed to leave Křetínský as the club’s largest shareholder.

West Ham Shareholders Make Their Choice

The expected result is Křetínský with approximately 46%, David Sullivan around 40% and Tripp Smith on 11%.

Crucially, Staveley’s route into West Ham through the Gold family shares has been shut down.

In this video, I look at how the deal worked, why West Ham’s shareholders appear to have united behind Křetínský and why working with Sullivan was seemingly considered preferable to allowing Staveley into the football club.

I also discuss whether Staveley has one final route left if she remains determined to become a major West Ham shareholder.

The existing owners have made their choice.

I’m not convinced West Ham supporters will be celebrating it.