Kieran Maguire issues verdict on West Ham owner Daniel Kretinsky’s links to Gazprom as asset freeze mooted
West Ham will not be concerned about co-owner Daniel Kretinsky’s links to state-owned Russian energy giant Gazprom.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Czech billionaire’s business portfolio.
The Times reported last Sunday (6 March) that Kretinsky controls EP Infrastructure, which in turn owns half of the Eustream gas pipeline.
Gazprom, who have been ostracised from the international financial nexus after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supply two-thirds of Eustream’s gas.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and Everton benefactor Alisher Usmanov are among those in football to be hit by Government sanctions.
But the Irons should not be worried about Kreintsky being lumped in with the Russian oligarchs, insists Maguire.
“I don’t think the club itself will be concerned,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Going forwards, if he is thinking about acquiring the club, they might have to accept they are going to come under greater scrutiny.
“But in the short term, he’s not a Russian citizen. I think we’re looking at degrees of separation here.
“Having connections to Gazprom is not the same as being an oligarch.
“If the policy of freezing assets is going to extend to citizens of other countries as well, that would be inconsistent with the Government’s strategy.“
Kretinsky owns 27 per cent of West Ham and has the option for a full takeover after 2024.
The Hammers were beaten 1-0 at Sevilla in the Europa League last-16 first leg last night (10 March).
In other news, Liverpool tipped to sign West Ham star Jarrod Bowen after “cheeky” hint paves the way for deal.