West Ham United joint-chair David Sullivan has resigned after revealing “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published”.
With a 38.8% stake in the club, 77-year-old Sullivan is West Ham’s largest shareholder but has come under fire from supporters disgruntled at the club’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016.
West Ham did win the 2023 Conference League but were relegated at the end of last season and will play in the Championship in 2026/27.
Sullivan, who also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and vowed to sue to the BBC.
It 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 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 libellous allegations.”
The allegations don’t involve West Ham, says departing Sullivan
Sullivan became joint chairman of West Ham alongside late business partner David Gold in 2010 but has presided over a largely underwhelming spell for the East London club.
He added: “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.
“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.”
Sullivan follows Brady in quitting West Ham roles
Fellow co-chair Baroness Karren Brady resigned from her position at the club in April. It leaves two remaining joint-chairs: Vanessa Gold, daughter of David, and Daniel Kretinsky
In a statement, the club said: “Interim chief executive officer Karim Virani, reporting into the current board of directors, will continue to be responsible for leading the club’s day-to-day operations. The club will provide an update on the future structure of the board of directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.”
