West Ham United: LLDC responds to rumours Daniel Kretinsky wants to buy London Stadium
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has responded to rumours that West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky wants to buy the London Stadium, stating that no considerable offer has been put forward.
Czech billionaire businessman Kretinsky became the club’s second-largest shareholder in November 2021 upon buying a 27% stake in the Hammers.
And it is now believed that he could soon become their majority owner, although the LLDC has confirmed that there is no offer to consider at this moment in time for the stadium.
“Kretinsky is rumoured to be interested in buying the London Stadium, originally built to stage the 2012 Olympics, from the LLDC if he completes a full takeover of West Ham but declined to comment when contacted by The Athletic,” according to The Athletic.
“When asked about reports of Kretinsky’s interest in buying the stadium and whether a sale is something it would think about, the LLDC responded: ‘Nothing has ever been put forward that can be considered.’”
Patience required
Kretinsky, who also has strong ties with Czech club Sparta Prague thanks to his role as co-owner and president, is undoubtedly a successful businessman, but whether or not he is the right man to be involved so heavily with West Ham remains to be seen.
Hammers fans are proud, and can be fierce with such figures when they need to be. Sparta fans have had to learn that the hard way, with the club last winning the league title in 2014.
Any wheeling and dealing will, however, have to wait until the end of the season, primarily because of the club’s position in the table and their subsequent fears over which competition they will be playing in next season.
The Hammers are in the relegation zone ahead of the return of Premier League football this weekend, and are in real danger of dropping down to the Championship.
Also impacting any important talks at board level have been the recent deaths of David and Jacqueline Gold, meaning Kretinsky will have to wait patiently as he plans his next move in East London.