A consortium headed by former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley, alongside her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, has engaged in discussions regarding the acquisition of a 25% ownership stake in West Ham United. The group has expressed considerable interest in purchasing the stake currently held by Vanessa Gold, with negotiations having progressed substantially in the weeks leading up to this development.
Staveley has reportedly worked to arrange global investment backing to facilitate the transaction. The consortium initially approached West Ham about potential investment opportunities toward the conclusion of last season, when the club experienced relegation from the Premier League. Sources indicate the group would be receptive to acquiring additional shares that could potentially position them as majority stakeholders in the club.
David Sullivan and Daniel Kretinsky currently serve as the club’s primary shareholders. Staveley and Ghodoussi have prior experience in high-profile ownership ventures, including involvement in a consortium that pursued Tottenham Hotspur during the previous season. The couple departed Newcastle after selling their shares in July 2024.
Sullivan recently vacated his position as joint chairman in June following investigations by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper. Multiple women have made allegations of abuse of power and sexual misconduct spanning several decades, with seven accusers coming forward as part of the joint investigation. The allegations relate to incidents beginning in the 1980s involving young models and individuals in their late teens and early twenties who worked with or sought employment through Sullivan’s publications. Sullivan, who is 77 years old, has firmly disputed all allegations. The Independent Football Regulator has contacted West Ham, characterizing the allegations as “extremely serious” and requesting urgent information regarding Sullivan’s suitability for his role.
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