West Ham set for billionaire takeover after co-chairman David Sullivan steps down

Royal Mail owner Daniel Kretinsky could become the majority shareholder in West Ham United, according to reports.

West Ham were relegated from the Premier League on the last day of the 2025-26 season and have been thrown into further turmoil by the resignation of co-chairman David Sullivan.

Sullivan stood down on Saturday morning, acknowledging that the decision was expedited by the imminent publication of 'decades-old allegations' relating to his private life.

Billionaire Czech businessman Kretinsky, whose EP Group took over Royal Mail's holding company last year, is an existing West Ham shareholder and is reportedly poised to significantly increase his stake.

"Kretinsky remains fully committed to the club despite West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League and is eager to strengthen both his influence and long-term involvement at the London Stadium," reported Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk.

Kretinsky believes West Ham can make an immediate return to the top division, according to Bailey, and was interested in expanding his share to 40% prior to Sullivan's resignation.

David Sullivan's statement

Sullivan's departure from West Ham, where he has been co-chair for 16 years after holding the same position at Birmingham City, was announced through a statement published on the West Ham website.

"I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published," read the statement from the outgoing executive.

"The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.

"After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.

"I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.

"I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication."

Sullivan, who also spent 16 years at Birmingham, became West Ham co-chairman with Blues partner David Gold in 2010.

He supported the club's move to the London Stadium and became the largest single shareholder when Gold passed away in 2023.

"None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football," added Sullivan.

"After very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect."