Survival outcome to shape West Ham takeover as Kretinsky and Sullivan play waiting game

A change of ownership at West Ham United is unlikely to happen before the season ends, reports the Guardian.

Although, the expiry of a penalty clause has cleared the way for a potential sale.

However, Daniel Kretinsky and David Sullivan will wait until the end of the season before making a decision.

Late co-owner David Gold and Sullivan were liable to pay a financial penalty to the government if they sold the club for more than £300 million under the terms of West Ham’s move to the London Stadium.

The clause expired this month and changes have been expected at the board level.

Kretinsky has an option for a full takeover in the deal that saw him buy 27% of West Ham in 2021.

The Czech billionaire has the first option on Sullivan’s stake and a second option on Gold’s.

However, Kretinsky is unlikely to proceed if the Hammers go down.

Sullivan has the first refusal on Gold’s stake, but he is reluctant to sell to Kretinsky.

The late owner’s shares will likely pass to his family in the first instance.

However, they will lie in probate until at least July after his demise in January.

It is unknown if Gold’s family plans to continue their association with the club.

West Ham are 16th in the Premier League after 25 games, with a point separating them from the drop zone.

Manager David Moyes has been under a lot of pressure all campaign and came close to losing his job in January.

However, the Hammers board have continued to back him.

They are the only club in the bottom six not to have changed managers this season.

Nevertheless, the Irons will fancy their chances of staying up. However, Moyes needs to start guiding his side to victories sooner rather than later.

West Ham face Aston Villa, Manchester City and Southampton next, and the results will have a massive say on their survival chances.