West Ham United are on the brink of relegation from the Premier League after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Hammers currently sit 18th in the table with only one match remaining this season.
Their relegation could be confirmed if Tottenham Hotspur avoid defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday.
London Stadium agreement raises taxpayer concerns
Under the club’s 99-year lease agreement for London Stadium, West Ham would pay roughly half of their current annual rent of £4.4 million if they are relegated to the Championship.
That reduction would reportedly leave London taxpayers needing to cover an additional funding gap worth up to £2.5 million annually.
The public already contributes towards operating expenses at the stadium, including stewarding and matchday management costs.
Sadiq Khan criticises previous stadium deal
Sadiq Khan said Londoners could lose significant money if West Ham are relegated.
The Mayor of London also criticised former mayor Boris Johnson for agreeing what he described as “the worst deal imaginable” back in 2012.
Khan added that supporters of rival clubs may even want West Ham to stay up because relegation would financially affect taxpayers.
Championship football could reduce revenues
Commercial income at London Stadium is expected to fall if West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League.
At the same time, stadium operating costs could rise because Championship clubs play 23 home league matches compared to 19 in the Premier League.
That combination of lower revenue and higher operating expenses could further increase the financial burden linked to the stadium agreement.
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