As protests mount against the West Ham United board, the club finds itself at a crossroads, caught between fan fury and looming PSR issues.
West Ham are facing what many are calling a civil war between supporters and the hierarchy. The Fan Advisory Board (FAB), representing over 25,000 fans, recently issued a scathing letter of no confidence in the club’s leadership, citing “sustained failure” and “financial distress” just two years after the Hammers lifted a European trophy.
Renowned journalist Henry Winter commented on X that this “shows the depth of feeling.”
Most Read on West Ham News
Not the first time West Ham fans have protested against the board
Protests are planned before key fixtures against Crystal Palace and Brentford, with groups such as Hammers United calling for boycotts and demonstrations. The grievances are numerous: an ageing, uncompetitive squad, sub-standard training facilities, and a soulless matchday experience at the London Stadium.
While much of the spotlight falls on co-chair David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady, another figure looms in the background—Daniel Kretinsky, dubbed the “Czech Sphinx.”
West Ham’s silent partner
Kretinsky, who bought a 27% stake in West Ham in 2021 for around £200m, has remained a passive investor, rarely seen at matches and never publicly involved in football decisions. His heart reportedly lies with Sparta Prague, his “first love,” leaving oversight to his trusted lieutenant Jiri Svarc, who joined the Board in 2022.
West Ham shareholders Daniel Kretinsky and David Sullivan
There were reports of s rift between Sullivan and Kretinsky which have been denied by West Ham
Despite Vanessa Gold making her 25.1% stake available for sale via Rothschild nearly two years ago, neither Kretinsky nor other shareholders have shown interest in buying more. Sullivan remains the largest shareholder at 38.8%, with Albert “Tripp” Smith holding 8%.
Away from football, Kretinsky has focused on Royal Mail, completing a £3.6bn takeover in April 2025. Under his leadership, Royal Mail posted a £12m profit—the first in three years—despite redundancy costs and a challenging market. It’s a turnaround in stark contrast to West Ham’s stagnation.
Known to enjoy Pink Floyd and U2, Kretinsky remains a mystery to fans and pundits alike. How many West Ham games he’s attended since 2021 is unclear, and his presence is felt more in boardrooms than at the London Stadium.
With protests intensifying and leadership under siege, West Ham faces a reckoning. Supporters are calling for full-time executives with football and commercial expertise. Whether the Czech Sphinx steps forward—or continues to watch from the shadows—remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: West Ham fans are no longer content with silence.