- David Sullivan resigned from his position as joint chairman and director of West Ham United on Saturday
- The Welsh businessman still holds a 38.8% stake in the club’s ownership
- Sullivan is reportedly willing to sell his stake after impending revelation of “serious historical charges”
West Ham fans may have rejoiced at David Sullivan’s resignation as joint chairman and director, but one important question remains: what happens to his shares?
The 77-year-old businessman resigned from his position at the club on Saturday lunchtime following the impending revelation of “serious historical charges”, which he strongly denies. While his resignation marked the end of a 16-year tenure in the boardroom, Sullivan’s role at the London Stadium is far from over.
Despite stepping down from his board positions, Sullivan retains a 38.8% stake in West Ham, still making him the club’s largest shareholder and ultimate decision-maker.
David Sullivan open to selling West Ham stake
According to The Athletic, Sullivan is reportedly willing to sell his stake amid doubts about the club’s long-term direction. The publication reports that there are presently no plans for his sons, Jack and Dave Sullivan, to assume ownership of the stake.
Instead, it is believed that both will play a minor part in the club’s future operations, but this might alter if a sale does not occur.
West Ham’s ownership structure could shift due to the rising influence of Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, who already owns a significant stake (27%) in the club and is likely to play a key role going forward.
Football focus has to take priority for West Ham
While ownership changes will undoubtedly dominate headlines in the coming weeks, West Ham cannot afford to be sidetracked by boardroom uncertainty.
Following Baroness Karren Brady’s resignation as vice-chairman in April, West Ham were relegated to the Championship, and the futures of club captain Jarrod Bowen and starlet Mateus Fernandes have become doubtful.
Karim Virani, who joined the Hammers in April as an interim CEO, is expected to take command of the day-to-day operations. Křetínský, who owns Royal Mail and Sparta Prague, was reportedly one of the main backers for head coach Nuno Espírito Santo’s stay and is expected to play a part in the acquisition of the impending director of football alongside the Portuguese boss.
Should the diligent Křetínský begin to assume further control in West Ham, it will be a welcome arrival for a club which has endured more focus off the field than on it.
