West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan has resigned after revealing “completely untrue and false allegations made decades ago relating to my personal life”.
With a 38.8% stake in the club, 77-year-old Sullivan is West Ham’s largest shareholder, but has come under fire from disgruntled fans over the club’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016.
West Ham actually won 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 WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and vowing to sue the BBC.
It read: “I have recently become aware that decades-old completely untrue and false allegations regarding my personal life have been broadcast and published.
“The media have sensationalized false allegations against me. After spending my life building businesses in the adult industry, where I have met thousands of women, it is unfortunate that a small number of allegations of inappropriate behavior have been made against me. I categorically deny these allegations.
“I was not provided with any adequate explanation as to how I independently verified these individuals or their claims or assessed their credibility prior to publication. I believe the entire process was fundamentally unfair and completely lacked any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for defamation, along with any other media outlet that repeats any defamatory allegations.”
The departing Sullivan says these allegations do not relate to West Ham
Sullivan became joint chairman of West Ham alongside late business partner David Gould in 2010, but managed a largely disappointing spell for the east London club.
He added: “None of these allegations have anything to do with over 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, players, staff and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters relating to me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.”
“This has been an extremely painful decision, but one made out of love, respect and responsibility to a football club and fanbase that deserves absolute unity and focus on moving forward.
“I am stepping down to devote my full energy and attention to fighting these false allegations. I have formally engaged my legal team and are preparing to issue legal action in relation to every false complaint filed against me. I will seek full redress, both legally and publicly, on all fronts.”
“As I leave, I would like to thank everyone associated with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories, adventures and European successes that I will carry with me forever. West Ham United will always be close to my heart.”
Sullivan follows Brady in leaving West Ham’s roles
Fellow co-chair Baroness Karen Brady resigned from her position at the club in April. It leaves two remaining joint chairs: Vanessa Gold, David’s daughter, and Danielle Kretinsky
The club said in a statement“Interim CEO Karim Virani, who reports to the current board, will remain responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the club. The club will provide an update on the future structure of the board in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.”
