Sadiq Khan has warned that West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League would be bad news for Londoners.
The Hammers are currently two points below Tottenham in the relegation battle, with just two matches remaining.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team probably need to beat both Newcastle and Leeds to avoid going down to the Championship.
The Mayor of London, an Arsenal fan, is hoping Tottenham go down instead, but not for the reason you may think.
Khan has revealed that it will cost London taxpayers up to £2.5 million if West Ham are relegated from the top flight.
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Oh wow 👀 How has Tottenham’s draw with Leeds made YOU feel about the relegation battle?!
This weirdly feels like a boost?
Sadiq Khan tells Londoners to support West Ham in final two games
Khan blamed the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, for agreeing to “the worst deal imaginable” regarding the London Stadium.
West Ham signed a 99-year agreement under which the Greater London Authority (GLA) covers stadium operating costs.
These costs would rise if the Hammers are relegated, as they would play 23 home league games next season rather than 19.
Therefore, taxpayers would effectively face a £2.5m annual bill to subsidise West Ham’s playing in the Championship.
“What I’d say to Londoners who don’t support Spurs is you should probably be cheering on West Ham,” Khan told the Standard.
“The previous Mayor, Boris Johnson, did the worst deal that can be imaginable.
DISCUSS: The London Stadium could host the 2029 World Athletics Championships 🏅
West Ham would have to play away games for THREE WEEKS! ⚽
“As far as West Ham are concerned, as a deal of the century, where he basically gave them rent-free, this amazing stadium for 100 years.
“Now if West Ham are relegated, we, the taxpayers, we City Hall, could lose up to 2.5m a year.
“So what I say to Londoners who don’t support Spurs is you should probably be cheering on West Ham, because the taxpayer will lose out if West Ham go down.”
Although Khan raises an eye-opening financial concern, most football fans already wanted West Ham to stay up anyway.
It would be an enormous moment in English football history if Spurs were to be relegated a year after winning the Europa League.
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