West Ham United's Fan Advisory Board have issued a statement following the news that the deal struck between Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold back in June appears to have fallen through.
With Gold set to renege on her agreement to support Kretinsky by opting instead to sell her family's entire stake in the club to a consortium fronted by former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley, the FAB have responded by criticising the situation.
Vanessa Gold pictured with her father David Gold prior to his death in 2023
And they accused the Gold and Kretinsky camps of "creating unnecessary concern amongst supporters" by failing to follow through with their previous plans.
"The FAB is disappointed by the uncertainty surrounding the club's ownership and governance following reports that the proposed share transaction involving Vanessa Gold and Daniel Křetínský may not now proceed as originally planned," it read.
"While we recognise that matters concerning share ownership are ultimately for the shareholders themselves, the continuing uncertainty is creating unnecessary concern amongst supporters at a time when the club should be focused solely on preparing for the new season.
"The uncertainty surrounding the club's ownership cannot be allowed to translate into uncertainty over its leadership or strategic direction while more than 50,000 supporters have already demonstrated their commitment by renewing or purchasing season tickets for the 2026/27 campaign.
"Those supporters have invested emotionally and financially in the club and are entitled to clarity regarding its leadership, governance and long-term direction. So many supporters made their decision based on the news that Ms Gold and Mr Kretínsky had agreed to work together for the good of the club.
"Our supporters have made their financial commitment, but our board seem to have reneged on their part of the bargain."
And the FAB called for the current board to clarify the current position, with few if any particularly clear as to whom is running the club at the moment.
"At a time when supporters have once again shown extraordinary loyalty by committing to the club in such significant numbers, the board should respond with the same commitment to openness, accountability and effective governance," the statement added.
" Supporters deserve certainty that those entrusted with the stewardship of West Ham United are acting decisively, responsibly and in the best long-term interests of the club."
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
