Two of West Ham United's major shareholders have publicly broken ranks with co-owner David Sullivan following a joint BBC Panorama and The Times investigation that levelled allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against him.

Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold said they were "deeply concerned" by the claims, and have simultaneously announced a share purchase deal that would elevate Kretinsky to the position of the club's largest shareholder.

The ownership deal

Under the agreement, Kretinsky's 1890 Holdings — part of the broader EP group — will acquire shares from the Gold family, lifting his stake from 27% to approximately 43%. That figure would surpass Sullivan's current holding of 38.8%, making Kretinsky the single biggest investor in the club.

"As the largest shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs," Kretinsky and Gold said in a joint statement. The transaction remains subject to other shareholders' pre-emption rights and the necessary regulatory approvals.

Response to the allegations

In their statement, Kretinsky and Gold said the full West Ham United board was not informed of the allegations against Sullivan until approximately a month before they were made public on Monday, with the two shareholders themselves unaware of the full details until the story broke.

"Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard," the statement read. "Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it."

It has also emerged that Sullivan has been barred from contact with the club's women's and youth teams for the past three years due to safeguarding concerns — a measure that Kretinsky and Gold said the board's other shareholder representatives only learned of this week.

Sullivan, 77, has "categorically" denied all allegations. The claims span a period during which he built his fortune across pornography, newspapers, and football.

West Ham's broader situation

The off-field turmoil arrives at a particularly demanding moment for the east London club. West Ham are battling to secure an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation for the first time since 2012.

"As shareholders and directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this football club," Kretinsky and Gold said, signalling their intent to stabilise the club both financially and reputationally.