West Ham have found themselves at the centre of a fresh London Stadium storm—and this time it’s Olympic gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson leading the charge.
The Manchester United fan has doubled down on her calls for the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-bio/) to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, despite strong opposition from West Ham due to fixture clashes. And it’s fair to say her comments haven’t gone down particularly well behind the scenes at West Ham.
The proposed tournament would take place over three weeks in September 2029, meaning West Ham would be forced to vacate our home ground during a crucial part of the season. That said, the games do also coincide with an international break meaning there is movement should a compromise be sought.
Hodgkinson’s comments spark backlash
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Hodgkinson initially grabbed attention with a cheeky dig suggesting Team GB would “bring back more medals to that stadium than West Ham have seen in their entire history.”
That alone was enough to stir the pot, but she didn’t stop there.
In a follow-up post, she doubled down—questioning why a “football team” wouldn’t compromise, highlighting that West Ham pay rent at the stadium and insisting London hosting a global athletics event would be a huge moment for British sport.
‘Thoroughly enjoyed the rattled comments under this, but in all seriousness, to have a global championships back in London would be incredible for our sport,’ Hodgkinson wrote on X. ‘I didn’t think we’d get the opportunity again during my career, the british crowd would fill it everyday. ‘Seems silly for London to be taken out of the running, over a football team not compromising on a stadium they pay RENT for when it’s only a few extra away games, everything’s always all about money and never moments. let us have this moment!!! pretty please’.
It’s a crazy situation and one which highlights the failed relationship between tenant and landlord.