Amanda Staveley is looking to buy a stake in West Ham and would also look to purchase the London Stadium, with the Mayor of London open to its sale. The Hammers are preparing for their first season in the Championship in over a decade, but a battle remains over buying a 25 per cent stake in the club.
Staveley's involvement
Staveley, who masterminded the Saudi takeover of Newcastle, is looking to get involved with West Ham. Any deal could also see her push for the purchase of the London Stadium, which has been the club's home since 2016. The stadium has been controversial, with one major issue being that the club doesn't own the venue. They do pay a minimal rent – initially £4.4million, which halved after their relegation.
Taxpayers are footing the bulk of the bill, and Sir Sadiq Khan would be open to selling the asset, which could be available for as little as £50million. A spokesman told The Times: “The Mayor would welcome any discussions regarding the London Stadium that would deliver greater value for money for Londoners.”
Stadium complications
One of the major issues in purchasing the 62,500-seater stadium is its athletic use. UK Athletics still has 40 years left on a concession agreement that gives them access for events like the London Diamond League. Khan has also been key in fronting London's bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, and any changes to the stadium would have to be delayed until after that date if the event is awarded.
One criticism of the London Stadium is that it remains tailored to athletic events, as it was built for the 2012 Olympics. The lack of proximity for fans to the pitch and the atmosphere have long been cited as issues, but West Ham have had their hands tied.
Competition and ownership
Staveley and the consortium she fronts with her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, would have to see off the challenge of Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire owner of Royal Mail and current co-owner of the Hammers. Fellow co-owner David Sullivan went to the team's first game of the season on Saturday despite advice from the stadium's owner to stay away following allegations of sexual misconduct. He has strongly denied all accusations, while he stood down as joint club chairman.
The 77-year-old saw West Ham beat Portsmouth 3-1 in the Carabao Cup, despite London Stadium officials urging him not to attend over safeguarding issues.
