West Ham boardroom turmoil clouds Championship return

West Ham face their Championship debut on Saturday against Portsmouth amid sharp boardroom turbulence that has cast a shadow over their top-flight demotion season. According to *The Guardian*, the battle for control of Vanessa Gold's shares and BBC allegations against David Sullivan—who remains co-owner—have made this summer one of the darkest in recent club memory.

Sullivan, removed as co-chair in June following predatory conduct accusations he denies, is expected to attend despite London Stadium operators recommending his absence due to "potential for demonstrations and anti-social behaviour". The fans' advisory board warned his presence would cause "offence and upset".

Meanwhile, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, who has held 27% since 2021, has strategically cut his stake to just under 25% to avoid mandatory takeover obligations—seemingly a defensive move against incoming Amanda Staveley, now seeking to rebuild her football career after leaving Newcastle. Among supporters, there is overwhelming desire for Sullivan to depart the scene entirely.