David Sullivan resigns as West Ham chairman over historic allegations
David Sullivan, 77, resigned as West Ham United joint-chairman on June 6, 2026, after learning of impending publication of serious historic allegations about his personal life. Sullivan denies the decades-old claims, calling them false, and plans to sue the BBC and other media for libel. The club stated the allegations do not involve West Ham or its operations. Interim CEO Karim Virani will lead day-to-day operations. Sullivan co-owned the club since 2010, and his resignation follows West Ham’s recent relegation from the Premier League.
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Kretinsky to become West Ham's largest shareholder amid Sullivan scandal
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, owner of Royal Mail, is set to become West Ham United's largest shareholder by increasing his stake from 27% to 43% after buying shares from the Gold family. The move follows David Sullivan's resignation as director and co-chair amid a joint investigation by The Times and Panorama, in which seven women accuse him of abusing his power and preying on them for sex dating back to the 1980s and 90s. Sullivan denies the allegations. Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold expressed deep concern over the revelations and plan to vote jointly on key matters, targeting an immediate return to the Premier League after West Ham's relegation. The club faces major financial difficulties, including a £104.2m loss and the need to raise over £100m in player sales. The Independent Football Regulator may force Sullivan to sell his 38.8% stake if he is found to lack integrity. Kretinsky intends to inject capital to support manager Nuno Espirito Santo's promotion push.
Football | The GuardianKretinsky to become West Ham's largest shareholder amid Sullivan scandal
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, owner of Royal Mail, is set to become West Ham United's largest shareholder after agreeing to increase his stake from 27% to 43% by purchasing shares from the Gold family. The move follows David Sullivan's resignation as director and co-chair after a joint investigation by The Times and Panorama revealed allegations from seven women accusing him of abusing his power and sexual misconduct dating back to the 1980s and 90s. Sullivan denies all allegations. Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold expressed deep concern over the revelations and plan to vote jointly on key matters to support an immediate return to the Premier League after the club's relegation. West Ham faces major financial difficulties, including a £104.2m loss and needing over £100m in transfer sales. The Independent Football Regulator may force Sullivan to sell his 38.8% stake if he fails integrity standards.
Football | The GuardianKretinsky set to become West Ham's biggest shareholder and addresses Sullivan allegations
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, owner of Royal Mail, is set to become West Ham United's largest shareholder by increasing his stake from 27% to 43% after buying shares from the Gold family. This move follows David Sullivan's resignation as director and co-chair amid a joint investigation by The Times and Panorama, which reported allegations from seven women accusing Sullivan of abusing his power and preying on them for sex dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan denies the claims. Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have agreed to vote jointly on key matters and support a strategy for an immediate return to the Premier League after West Ham's relegation. The club faces major financial difficulties, including a £104.2m loss and the need to raise over £100m in player sales. The Independent Football Regulator may force Sullivan to divest his 38.8% stake if he is found to no longer meet integrity standards.
Football | The GuardianWest Ham shareholders address David Sullivan allegations and agree ownership deal
West Ham United co-chairs Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have publicly condemned allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior against fellow shareholder David Sullivan, following a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation. Sullivan, 77, categorically denies the claims, which date back to his time in the pornography and newspaper industries. The club's board was reportedly not informed of the allegations until a month ago, and Sullivan has been banned from contact with the women's and youth teams since 2023 due to safeguarding concerns. Amid the fallout, Kretinsky's stake in the club will increase from 27% to 43%, making him the largest shareholder, surpassing Sullivan's 38.8%. The deal, involving the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, aims to provide additional financing as West Ham seeks an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed to stay on to lead the promotion push.
BBC SportWest Ham shareholders back accusers, agree deal making Kretinsky largest shareholder
West Ham United co-chairs Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have publicly backed women who accused fellow shareholder David Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior in a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation. In a statement, they expressed being 'deeply concerned' and praised the courage of the accusers. Sullivan, 77, categorically denies the allegations, which date back to his time in the pornography and newspaper industries. The club's board was reportedly not notified of the allegations until a month ago, and only learned of safeguarding measures against Sullivan (in place since 2023) this week. Simultaneously, Kretinsky and Gold announced a share purchase agreement that will raise Kretinsky's stake from 27% to 43%, making him the largest shareholder, surpassing Sullivan's 38.8%. The deal is subject to pre-emption rights and approvals. The ownership change comes as West Ham seeks an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation.
BBC SportFormer West Ham director removed from inquiry into David Sullivan
Tara Warren, a nonexecutive director of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and former executive director of West Ham, has been recused from the inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct against David Sullivan to avoid a conflict of interest. Sullivan, 77, resigned as co-chair of West Ham but remains the club's largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake. The IFR, which has statutory powers to force an owner to divest shares if deemed unsuitable, called the allegations 'extremely serious.' Seven women have accused Sullivan of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, with claims dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan has faced restrictions on contact with West Ham's women and youth teams since 2023 due to an FA safeguarding investigation, which he described as 'meaningless.' Warren, who left West Ham in December 2023, denies prior knowledge of the allegations. Sullivan is reportedly open to selling his stake, with Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky interested in taking a majority stake.
Football | The GuardianLondon Stadium and West Ham Women's Team Unaware of David Sullivan Contact Ban
London Stadium, which owns and operates West Ham United's home ground, has raised concerns that it was not informed about safeguarding restrictions placed on club co-owner David Sullivan. The Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior by Sullivan, which he categorically denies. A safeguarding group comprising the club, the FA, and the local authority decided to prevent Sullivan from having access to the club's youth and women's teams. London Stadium wrote to the club, the FA, and the local authority seeking information about why they were not notified. West Ham's women's team and the Women's Super League were also unaware of the restrictions. A West Ham spokesperson said that, per best practice, only parties directly involved in the safeguarding process were notified. Sullivan described the agreement as a temporary, meaningless restriction accepted for a quiet life, denying any wrongdoing.
BBC SportLondon Stadium and West Ham Women's Team Unaware of David Sullivan Contact Ban
The BBC reports that London Stadium, which owns and operates West Ham United's home ground, was not informed about safeguarding restrictions placed on club co-owner David Sullivan. The Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior by Sullivan, which he categorically denies. A safeguarding group comprising the club, the FA, and local authorities decided to prevent Sullivan from having one-to-one access to the club's youth and women's teams. London Stadium has written to the club, FA, and local authority seeking clarification on why they were not notified, stating they would expect to be informed to assess risks. West Ham's women's team and the Women's Super League were also unaware of the restrictions. A West Ham spokesperson said only parties directly involved in the safeguarding process were notified, in line with best practice. Sullivan described the agreement as a 'meaningless restriction' accepted for a quiet life.
BBC SportLondon Stadium and West Ham Women's Team Unaware of David Sullivan Contact Ban
London Stadium, which owns and operates West Ham United's home ground, has expressed concern that it was not informed about safeguarding restrictions placed on club co-owner David Sullivan. The Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior by Sullivan, which he categorically denies. A safeguarding group subsequently prevented Sullivan from having contact with the club's youth and women's teams. Both London Stadium and West Ham's women's team, along with the Women's Super League, were not made aware of these restrictions. West Ham stated that only parties directly involved in the safeguarding process were notified, citing best practices. Sullivan described the restriction as a temporary, meaningless agreement he accepted for a quiet life, denying any wrongdoing. The BBC investigation was conducted jointly with Panorama and the Times.
BBC SportLondon Stadium Owners Demand Explanation from West Ham Over Concealed FA Safeguarding Investigation into David Sullivan
The owners of London Stadium, London Stadium LLP, have expressed concern and demanded an explanation from West Ham United after learning they were not informed about an FA safeguarding investigation into former co-chairman David Sullivan. Sullivan, 77, has been suspended from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023 following a complaint about an alleged incident in 1981, which he denies. The stadium operators stated they expect to be informed of such matters to assess risks and ensure safeguarding measures. The FA declined to comment on individual cases. Additionally, BBC and The Times recently reported allegations of sexual exploitation and predatory behavior by Sullivan over decades, involving seven women. Sullivan denies the claims and vows legal action. Police have confirmed ongoing inquiries. West Ham United stated the allegations are unrelated to the club's operations and are cooperating with authorities.
虎扑 - 足球West Ham Women's Team Unaware of David Sullivan's Restricted Access Due to Safeguarding Investigation
The Guardian reports that neither the Women's Super League nor West Ham United's women's team were informed about restrictions placed on David Sullivan, the club's largest shareholder, regarding his contact with the women's and youth teams since 2023. The restrictions stem from a Football Association safeguarding investigation triggered by a complaint of sexual misconduct unrelated to football. A joint BBC and Times investigation revealed seven women accused the 77-year-old of predatory behavior dating back to the 1980s, which Sullivan denies through his lawyers. Sources say the women's team is appalled by the allegations, which they only learned of when the story broke. However, separate sources noted that disclosing details of an ongoing safeguarding case would have breached local authority regulations. Sullivan resigned as a West Ham director and co-chair before the claims were published. He stated the restriction was a 'meaningless' temporary agreement for a 'quiet life' regarding a complaint about an event in 1981.
Football | The GuardianWest Ham women's team not informed of David Sullivan's restricted access due to safeguarding investigation
The Guardian reports that neither the Women's Super League nor West Ham United's women's team were told about restrictions placed on David Sullivan, the club's largest shareholder, regarding his interaction with the women's and youth teams since 2023. The Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation after receiving a complaint of alleged sexual misconduct unrelated to football. In a joint BBC and Times investigation, seven women accused the 77-year-old of predatory behavior dating back to the 1980s, which Sullivan denies through his lawyers. Sources say the women's team is appalled by the allegations, which they only learned about when the story broke. However, separate sources noted that informing the league or players about the ongoing safeguarding case would have breached local authority regulations. Sullivan resigned as a West Ham director and co-chair before the claims were published. He stated the restriction was a temporary, negotiated agreement with the FA regarding an anonymous complaint about an event in 1981, which he denies.
Football | The GuardianEssex Police Investigate New Information on David Sullivan After Historic Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Essex Police are investigating new information provided about former West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan following a BBC and The Times investigation that accused him of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior over several decades. The investigation centers on claims by seven women who alleged Sullivan preyed on them for sex in return for advancing their modeling careers when they were in their late teens or early twenties. Sullivan, 77, denies the allegations as 'factually inaccurate and entirely false' and vows legal action. Police confirmed they have received new contact and enquiries are underway. Sullivan resigned from his West Ham position two days before the allegations were published. The club held talks with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, who called for a full explanation. Sullivan has been suspended from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023 over a separate alleged incident from 1981, which he also denies.
Soccer - The AthleticLondon Stadium Asks West Ham Why It Was Not Told About FA Investigation into David Sullivan
The London Stadium, owned by the Greater London Authority, has demanded answers from West Ham United after it was not informed about the Football Association's safeguarding investigation into former joint-chairman David Sullivan. The FA began the investigation in 2023 after a report concerning an alleged incident from 1981. Sullivan, 77, was suspended from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams but denies the incident. The Athletic also reports that members of the women's team were not told about the investigation. The London Stadium operator expressed concern and has written to the club, the FA, and local authorities to understand why it was kept in the dark. The FA declined to comment on the active case. West Ham moved to the London Stadium in 2016 under a 99-year lease.
Soccer - The AthleticWest Ham Majority Owner David Sullivan Banned from Women's and Youth Teams Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation
The Guardian reports that West Ham United majority shareholder David Sullivan has been banned from interacting with the women's team and youth categories since 2023, linked to an English Football Association (FA) investigation into alleged inappropriate sexual conduct. The scandal emerged days after Sullivan, 77, resigned as director and co-chairman, following investigations by the BBC and The Times where several women accused him of abuse of power and inappropriate behavior during the 1980s and 1990s, when he ran adult press businesses. Sullivan denies the allegations through his legal representatives, claiming the FA restrictions were a temporary agreement after an anonymous 1981 complaint he says never happened. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the events 'absolutely appalling' and demanded explanations from the FA and West Ham.
FútbolPolice contacted with new information about ex-West Ham chair David Sullivan following historic sexual allegations
Police have received new information regarding historic allegations of sexual exploitation against former West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan. The 77-year-old billionaire resigned on June 6, 2026, after learning of impending publication of serious allegations. Seven women have accused Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned pornographic magazines and tabloid newspapers. Sullivan categorically denies the claims, calling them 'entirely false' and 'sensationalised by the media.' The Metropolitan Police is investigating a report of indecent images and sexual exploitation in London and Essex from the 1980s, led by specialist detectives. Essex Police confirmed they have received contact and are conducting inquiries. Sullivan stepped down citing love and responsibility for the club, which was recently relegated from the Premier League.
SkySports | NewsDavid Sullivan Fallout: FA, Karren Brady, and West Ham Face Questions
An investigation by the BBC's Panorama and The Times has accused West Ham United's largest shareholder, David Sullivan, of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior towards multiple women, dating back to the 1980s. Sullivan, who owns 38.8% of the club, resigned as vice chair and director before the allegations were published. He categorically denies the claims and plans legal action. The fallout has raised questions about his suitability as an owner, with the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) seeking urgent answers. It has emerged that Sullivan was suspended from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023 due to safeguarding concerns. Sponsor Boyle Sports has expressed concern, and MP Uma Kumaran has called for Sullivan to sell his stake. The Athletic analyzes the key questions facing the FA, club vice-chair Karren Brady, and West Ham.
Soccer - The AthleticEssex Police given new David Sullivan information after BBC investigation
Essex Police have received new information about West Ham co-owner David Sullivan following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times. The investigation revealed multiple women have accused Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior dating back to the 1980s, which he categorically denies. It also emerged that Sullivan had been under restrictions for three years, banned from contacting the women's and youth teams over safeguarding concerns, though he continued to attend men's first team matches. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy held urgent meetings with the Football Association and West Ham to seek answers on how the allegations were handled. Sullivan resigned as joint chair on Saturday, stating he wanted to fight what he called 'factually incorrect' allegations. Boyle Sports, a main sponsor, said it was 'extremely concerned' and supported the Independent Football Regulator's review.
BBC SportDavid Sullivan: West Ham co-chair resigns over sexual misconduct allegations
David Sullivan, billionaire owner of West Ham United, has resigned as co-chair of the football club to fight allegations by seven women of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior. A joint investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama claims women were offered spots in tabloid newspapers he owned in exchange for sex, with threats of career damage for refusal. Sullivan, 77, known as the 'king of porn' for his fortune from adult magazines, films, and topless newspapers, categorically denies the allegations as 'decades-old' and false. The article details his background: a 1982 conviction for living off immoral earnings from massage parlors, a 1981 News of the World sting, and his transition to mainstream publishing with the Sunday Sport and Daily Sport. Sullivan has been banned from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023 due to safeguarding concerns. He retains a 38.8% stake in the club and is the 149th richest person in the UK.
TheWeek feedDavid Sullivan: West Ham co-chair resigns over sexual misconduct allegations
David Sullivan, billionaire owner of West Ham United, has resigned as co-chair of the football club to fight allegations by seven women of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior. A joint investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama claims women were offered spots in tabloid newspapers he owned in exchange for sex, with threats of career damage for refusal. Sullivan, 77, known as the 'king of porn' for his fortune from adult magazines, films, and topless newspapers, categorically denies the allegations as 'decades-old' and false. The article details his background, including a 1982 conviction for living off immoral earnings from massage parlors, his rise in mainstream publishing with the Sunday Sport and Daily Sport, and his acquisition of West Ham in 2010. It also reveals Sullivan has been banned from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023 due to safeguarding concerns. He remains the club's largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake.
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