“All Paid Off” | West Ham Unaffected by New Rule Changes After Man City Decision

West Ham are one of a few clubs who are set to be unaffected by potential rule changes after Manchester City won a key battle against the Premier League.

It was argued last week by the Premier League champions that shareholder loans are to be considered as associated party transactions, much like sponsorships are.

Reporting on Claret & Hugh, Sean Whetstone has stated that West Ham have no current shareholder loans, with all previous paid off following the appointment of Daniel Kretinsky to the board.

“West Ham has no outstanding shareholder loans as they were all paid off when Daniel Kretinsky invested in West Ham in 2021,” stated Whetstone.

“Tripp Smith had loaned West Ham £9.5m interest-free but a clause in his loan agreement meant he was paid back in full when another investor came in so he was paid off in 2022.

“David Sullivan and the late David Gold’s long-term shareholder loans of £58.1m between 2011-2014 were paid back to them before Daniel Kretinsky bought 27% of West Ham.

“The total interest earned over 10 years paid to Gold and Sullivan totalled £23.3m at interest rates between 4% and 7%.”

The same however can’t be said for other clubs, with the likes of Arsenal, Brighton and Everton all currently operating with the benefit of substantial shareholder loans.