Daniel Kretinsky is looking to increase his stake at West Ham United to become majority owner, talkSPORT understands.David Sullivan announced on Saturday he has stepped down from his role as chairman after 16 years at the east London club.Sullivan, West Ham’s majority shareholder, has stepped down as chairmanGetty Images - GettySullivan revealed that he is set to be at the centre of serious historic allegations, which he has categorically denied.The former adult industry businessman is the majority shareholder at West Ham with 38.8 per cent ownership.Another 27 per cent belongs to 1890s holdings, which is owned by Czech billionaire and Sparta Prague president Kretinsky.These shares at the Premier League club were acquired in November 2021.Amid Sullivan’s relinquishing of the chairman role, Kretinsky and new chairwoman Vanessa Gold are suggested to be running the club.The news comes two months after the shock exit of Baroness Karren Brady as West Ham’s vice-chair.All change at West HamWest Ham look set to embark on a new era of ownership after their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.The Hammers finished 18th and two points behind rivals Tottenham Hotspur on the final day, despite beating Leeds United 3-0.Nuno Espirito Santo was widely expected to leave as head coach, but West Ham confirmed that he will stay at the London Stadium.talkSPORT understands Kretinsky pushed for Espirito Santo to stay, whilst Sullivan was more inclined to make a change.Kretinsky (middle) is keen to increase his stake at West HamGettyCould Kretinsky complete a takeover at West Ham?Speaking on the possible ownership change at West Ham, journalist Henry Winter told talkSPORT that Kretinsky would be backed by fans.He said: “Whether Daniel Kretinsky decides now is the time for a full takeover…“I know from talking to West Ham fans, fairly significant, high-profile West Ham fans, have been talking to Kretinsky about supporting him if he was going to make a push for a full takeover which, clearly, they would like.“He’s a wealthy individual and he’s not tainted as some of the fans see David Sullivan, in terms of his running of the club.”West Ham have accumulated debts of over £104million, which means they look set to cash in on star talent this summer.This could include the sale of captain Jarrod Bowen, as well as Arsenal and Manchester United target Matheus Fernandes.Kretinsky owns 27 per cent of the club through his 1890s holdings stakeAFPDavid Sullivan statement in fullSullivan posted a full statement on the West Ham website following the announcement he would step down.The statement read: “I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.“The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.“I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.“This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.“As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever. West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the Board of Directors and interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.“I will not be making further public comment at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory allegations.”