Gold family agree to sell West Ham stake to Staveley

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley sold their shares in Newcastle two years ago

Former West Ham co-owner David Gold's daughter Vanessa has confirmed the family plan to sell their shares in the club to a consortium headed by ex-Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley.

In a statement, Vanessa Gold said: "I have now reached an agreement to sell my family's shareholding to a consortium of PCP Capital Partners, led by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, in partnership with Ashland Forest Capital Partners.

"While the process has not yet concluded, I wanted to be open with our fans about where things stand and my intentions."

David Gold, who died in 2023, was joint chairman of the Hammers for 13 years in tandem with long-time business partner David Sullivan.

Sullivan is still the largest shareholder in the club, while Daniel Kretinsky has the next highest stake.

Kretinsky's EP Group held discussions with the Gold family earlier this summer, soon after West Ham's relegation from the Premier League, about buying their stake and becoming the club's single largest shareholder, but that deal fell through.

Staveley and Ghodoussi were previously shareholders at Newcastle between 2021 and 2024, having been involved with the takeover of the Tyneside club by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Vanessa Gold added: "My ambition throughout this process has been to ensure the club has the right leadership and ownership to enable West Ham to achieve its potential and return to its rightful place in the Premier League.

"Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and PCP Capital Partners will bring deep experience and understanding of what it takes to lead a successful football club. I have every confidence in what she and her partners can bring to West Ham."

However, Gold's sentiments were not shared by Kretinsky – whose spokesperson issued a statement responding to news of the imminent deal with Staveley's consortium.

This read: "The agreement we had reached with the Gold family in June provided stability for the club at a crucial time. Today's announcement does the opposite.

"We will always act in the best interests of West Ham United and are reviewing all of our options, including exercising our pre-emption rights in full."

Pre-emption rights are legal or contractual provisions that allow existing shareholders to purchase shares before they are offered to external parties.

PreviousNext0:49It will take time - Alonso on 'special' Mudryk's return. 00:00:49, play videoIt will take time - Alonso on 'special' Mudryk's return0:44Sometimes he wants to leave - De Zerbi on Richarlison. 00:00:44, play videoSometimes he wants to leave - De Zerbi on Richarlison0:41Meet David Beckham...the Indian track cyclist 00:00:41, play videoMeet David Beckham...the Indian track cyclist 0:56What is the Commonwealth mile? 00:00:56, play videoWhat is the Commonwealth mile?0:52Fully fit Liverpool can win the League - Thompson 00:00:52, play videoFully fit Liverpool can win the League - Thompson 1:16How does Fifa actually make decisions? 00:01:16, play videoHow does Fifa actually make decisions?0:59'I don't think we were good enough to win' - McInnes. 00:00:59, play video'I don't think we were good enough to win' - McInnes0:44Man City staying in world's 'best hotel' on pre-season tour. 00:00:44, play videoMan City staying in world's 'best hotel' on pre-season tour0:53Finucane thrilled to be part of Wales' track glory. 00:00:53, play videoFinucane thrilled to be part of Wales' track gloryTop storiesThe five dramatic days that shook Infantino and world football

Chelsea confirm Welbeck signing from Brighton

15-year-old Gabriel makes Man Utd debut in win over Atletico

Criminal gangs target the rental market to run their operations

How plate tectonics changed our understanding of Earth

Settle down to a rom-com with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell

Are we becoming more comfortable eating alone?

The five dramatic days that shook Infantino and world football

Courting controversy and befriending Trump - the story of Fifa boss Infantino

Dog walk and expletive text - key findings in Vondrousova anti-doping case

Tour de France Femmes to make history on Ventoux

The Premier League clubs fighting a World Cup hangover

De Zerbi's 'ultra' roots and the Brescia connection at Spurs

England captaincy could be what Root needs - Vaughan

Howe going as spending rules bite - troubles for Newcastle's Saudi owners

Four pointers to most open Premier League title race in years

How a three-year-old helped Fachie become Scotland record-breaker

Weekly sports quiz: Cricket controversy and Cucurella

The phone call that made Briton an NFL trailblazer

Why finger-clicking 'scandal' has gripped sporting world - Agnew

The athlete who has never held her Olympic medal

Five things we've learned from first half of F1 season