London taxpayers could be forced to cover an extra £2.5 million annually if West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League, due to the terms of the club’s long term lease agreement for London Stadium.
The Hammers currently sit 18th in the league table with one match left to play, and their survival is ing in the balance depending on other results involving teams above them.
Under the 99 year lease arrangement, West Ham’s rent to the Greater London Authority would be reduced from about £4.4 million to roughly half if they drop into the Championship, leaving a significant funding gap.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan warned that taxpayers would have to make up the shortfall, especially since public funds already contribute to stadium operating costs such as stewarding and maintenance.
He noted that if West Ham are relegated, the financial impact on London could reach up to £2.5 million per year, adding that the situation highlights the consequences of the original stadium deal agreed in 2012 under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Khan criticised the agreement as “the worst deal imaginable,” arguing that it places unnecessary financial pressure on taxpayers while limiting commercial returns for the stadium.
According to reports, revenue generated from London Stadium is expected to fall significantly if West Ham play in the Championship, while operating costs may actually rise due to an increased number of home fixtures and reduced match day income.
With one game remaining in the season, West Ham’s Premier League status remains uncertain, and the outcome could have wider financial implications beyond football.
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