Kaveh Solhekol’s major update from UEFA will concern Daniel Kretinsky and West Ham United ahead of next season.
Last week Hammers News brought you an exclusive from UEFA on the situation with West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky who also owns potential last 16 opponents Sparta Prague.
As West Ham fans will know, the club’s second biggest stakeholder Kretinsky also owns Czech club Sparta Prague.
Multi-club ownership has always been cited as a major sticking point for a full Kretinsky takeover at West Ham should the Czech billionaire ever wish to launch one. Although our information from several high-profile sources has always maintained he has no desire to.
It has been something of an elephant in the room with West Ham becoming European regulars in the last three years, though.
Solhekol’s major UEFA update will concern Kretinsky and West Ham
As highlighted by Hammers News previously, should Kretinsky complete a full takeover then West Ham and Sparta Prague could be banned from playing in the same UEFA competition under his ownership.
So when Kretinsky saw both his sides – West Ham and Sparta Prague – make it to the Europa League knockout stages, it raised the delicate subject once more.
Should the Czech side win through then they could well be drawn against West Ham causing something of a conflict of interest for Kretinsky.
Strict new MCO rules on the way
But it would also raise concerns given UEFA’s strict multi-club ownership rules designed to ‘protect the integrity’ of the competition.
A UEFA spokesman confirmed to Hammers News that a meeting was held in the summer to discuss and rule on any potential MCO rule breaches ahead of the European competitions getting underway.
There were several cases to consider but West Ham and Sparta’s did not require discussion, meaning there is no jeopardy in that regard for either club.
But big changes are afoot according to Sky Sports’ chief reporter.
Kaveh Solhekol’s major update from UEFA will concern Kretinsky and West Ham.
Solhekol has revealed that UEFA will implement new tougher multi-club ownership rules at the end of the season in light of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS being involved with both Man United and Nice.
And that could also impact West Ham and Kretinsky, who has a vote on all matters at both the Hammers and Sparta.
ACF Fiorentina v West Ham United FC – UEFA
‘Meeting next month’
“UEFA will have have new tougher multi-club ownership rules in place by end of the season,” Solhekol said.
“Meeting next month to discuss new rules.
“Ratcliffe INEOS will have to demonstrate they do not have sporting control over Man United and Nice if they qualify to play in same UEFA competitions.”
Here’s a reminder of what UEFA told Hammers News last week:
“With regard to this matter, we kindly refer you to article 5 of the relevant competition regulations,” UEFA told Hammers News.
“We also refer you to the following decisions of the Club Financial Control Body as announced last summer.
“The CFCB First Chamber accepted the admission of Aston Villa FC (ENG) and Vitoria Sport Clube (POR); Brighton & Hove Albion FC (ENG) and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL); AC Milan (ITA) and Toulouse FC (FRA) to the UEFA club competitions for the 2023/24 season.
