In an incredibly unusual TV interview, co-owner of the Hammers Daniel Kretinsky has made a very interesting West Ham claim. Fans of West Ham anticipated and hoped that Daniel Kretinsky’s acquisition of a substantial portion of the team almost three years ago was a sign of an impending full takeover.
With a 27% ownership stake in West Ham, the billionaire Czech is the club’s second-largest shareholder. Additionally, he is by far the richest and one of the richest owners in the Premier League. In fact, since his wealth keeps increasing, Kretinsky shot up to the 14th spot on the most recent Sunday Times Rich List.
With a £6 billion net worth, the Sparta Prague owner moved up to 33rd from 47th place. Compared to last year, that was an increase of £2 billion. The primary revenue streams for West Ham’s “Czech Sphinx” are media, telecom, energy, and football. He recently acquired Royal Mail and also own a portion of J Sainsbury. “Dark” Speaking Sphinx In the past, Kretinsky has been characterized as “secretive.” And it’s understandable why.
From a football viewpoint, he’s a man that West Ham supporters don’t hear much about or encounter very often. When we last heard from a Hammers perspective, Kretinsky expressed dissatisfaction with several aspects of West Ham’s operations. And it was said that as a result, he desired greater influence. It appears that this was not only hearsay and gossip.
Because in a rare TV interview, Kretinsky made an interesting remark about West Ham. The millionaire from Czechia claims that West Ham has all of his heart. He values the club so much that, given the chance, he would like to increase his ownership.
Kretinsky’s exciting claim in rare TV interview
In November 2021, he purchased 27% of the club, increasing its funds by £150 million. This is good news for West Ham’s finances and for the team as a whole. In the TV interview, which you can watch at the foot of this post, Kretinsky wryly smiled and stated, “I don’t think it’s on the table.” “First of all, we only discuss West Ham when we discuss the Premier League, correct?
Any other club would never pique my interest, as my heart belongs to West Ham. I must admit that we are content with our investment. Furthermore, I can state that we do not currently have any plans to acquire sole control of West Ham’s shareholders. However, we would be extremely open to the possibility of increasing our interest in any way without taking over as majority owners, and I would be happy to be able to further strengthen our relationship with the club. “However, I must also mention that the shareholders’ cooperation and other aspects are excellent, and I am really appreciative of and at ease in our current position.”
Why Hammers fans should welcome the news
Hammers supporters should applaud Kretinsky’s remarks. If Kretinsky does attempt to extend his interest without taking a majority stake, this might add another £120 million or more to the club’s finances. It raises the question of why, after Vanessa Gold listed the Gold family stake for sale back in October, he hasn’t attempted to buy it. Maybe it plans to do so in the background? It does, however, demonstrate how accurate Hammers News’ steady reporting on Kretinsky has been from the beginning.
Football financial specialist Kieran Maguire exclusively revealed to Hammers News in February of last year that Kretinsky is not interested in a full takeover. In fact, UEFA’s stringent Multi-Club Ownerships regulations would make it difficult for both West Ham and Sparta Prague to play in Europe if you owned both teams. Even while some West Ham supporters might be disappointed by this, they should be heartened that a man with Kretinsky’s enormous riches wants more for the team. He was determined not to let one of his significant investments lose money.
The future appears bright with him around, potentially increasing his holding. or stable, at the absolute least. And given the current situation, where an increasing number of clubs in Europe are collapsing, there’s a lot to be said about it.
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