West Ham board angry as Sadiq Khan approached to resolve awkward London Stadium issue
West Ham have called the London Stadium home ever since August 2016.
It is fair to say that the move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium was one of controversy, given the widespread tradition around the Hammers.
West Ham’s famous bubbles may have followed them to Stratford, but frustration surrounding the arena have continued in the nine years since moving in.
This has been thanks in part to the perceived lack of atmosphere around the ground, showcased when West Ham lost 5-1 to Chelsea in their opening home game of the campaign.
Pressure has built on Graham Potter as a result, but it is issues at the stadium, as opposed to on the pitch, that are now taking centre stage.
West Ham in contact with Sadiq Khan
There has been no shortage of issues with West Ham and the London Stadium landlords over the years since moving in.
This hasn’t stopped West Ham from benefitting from London Stadium sponsorship deals, but the latest problem has certainly caused further tension.
This comes after the Hammers claimed they were being asked to pay double rates to host a women’s team match as opposed to a men’s game at the 2012 Olympic Stadium
West Ham Women play home games at the home of Dagenham and Redbridge, Victoria Road, having not played a match in E20 since 2019.
The Daily Mail reported on 5 September that the Irons’ terms at the London Stadium allow them to host 25 games at the stadium per season, with the women’s team falling outside of this agreement, in what is considered an awkward situation.
West Ham chiefs are said to be miffed at this, and it has sparked vice-chairman Baroness Karren Brady into life, having now discussed this issue with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
In reaction to this, a West Ham statement read: “Given the Mayor of London’s public commitment to supporting the growth and development of the women’s game in the capital, we remain hopeful that we will come to an agreement on the matter.”
West Ham must find agreement to benefit their Women’s team
With the Irons having been in the WSL since 2018, it is an opportunity for the Hammers to grow and prove themselves in the division, finally.
The women’s team hasn’t finished above sixth since being promoted, something which the hierarchy should be keen to improve upon.
| Year | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
| Position | 7th | 8th | 6th | 8th | 11th | 9th |
With that being said, it does feel unlikely that this will be possible while playing away from the London Stadium every other week.
It is something that needs to change, but ultimately, as it stands, it is out of the Irons’ hands.
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