Staveley consortium in talks over 25% West Ham stake as Sullivan fallout continues

A consortium fronted by former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has held talks over buying a 25 per cent stake in West Ham, with the deal understood to be closing in on completion. The move would mark Staveley’s first return to English football since she and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, sold their shares in Newcastle in July 2024.

The stake in question was previously held by the late David Gold and now sits with his daughter, Vanessa. Reports suggest discussions between the two parties have progressed steadily over recent weeks, with Staveley’s group having reportedly made initial approaches towards the end of last season.

Ambitions beyond a minority holding

West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last season and now find themselves in the Championship, but that has apparently done little to dim the consortium’s interest. Staveley’s group is understood to have lined up backing from investors in the United States and the Far East, and there is a stated willingness to pursue further shares beyond the initial 25 per cent stake.

Should the consortium subsequently move for the shareholding held by David Sullivan, it could pave the way towards majority control of the east London club. David Sullivan and Daniel Kretinsky currently rank among West Ham’s principal shareholders. It has also emerged that the same consortium previously explored a possible investment in Tottenham Hotspur before turning its attention to West Ham.

Sullivan’s departure amid serious allegations

Any move for Sullivan’s stake would come against the backdrop of his resignation as joint chairman in June, following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times. Seven women came forward with allegations spanning several decades, dating back to the 1980s, accusing Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory conduct, including pressuring young models for sex during business meetings connected to his newspaper ventures.

Sullivan, 77, has “categorically” denied the allegations and is understood to be preparing legal action against the BBC. The Independent Football Regulator has since contacted West Ham over what it described as “extremely serious allegations”, seeking urgent information regarding Sullivan’s suitability to hold a role at the club.

A familiar face returning to English ownership

Staveley was a central figure in the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United in 2021, before she and Ghodoussi departed the club in 2024. Her return to English football’s ownership landscape, this time at a Championship club attempting to rebuild after relegation, represents a striking shift for a figure long associated with Premier League boardrooms.

Neither West Ham nor representatives for Staveley have publicly confirmed the terms of any deal, and talks remain ongoing. Any takeover would still require the usual regulatory and ownership approval processes before completion.

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Sources

• The Mirror
• BBC Sport

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.