David Sullivan has resigned from his role as joint-chair and director of West Ham United with immediate effect, bringing an end to more than 16 years on the club’s board.
The 77-year-old announced his departure ahead of the publication of what the club described as “serious historic allegations.”
Sullivan has categorically denied all claims and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for publishing them.
West Ham confirmed that none of the allegations relate to the football club or its operations.
In a lengthy statement, Sullivan strongly rejected the accusations and described them as false and sensationalised.
“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.”
Sullivan also criticised the process leading up to the publication of the allegations, questioning how the claims were assessed and verified.
“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 former co-owner stressed that his resignation was motivated by a desire to shield the club from unnecessary distraction during a critical period.
“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.
“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
“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.”
Sullivan added that he would dedicate his full attention to defending himself against the allegations.
“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations.”
A spokesperson for the BBC confirmed that a joint investigation involving BBC Panorama and The Times is scheduled for publication on Monday.
“BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper have been working together on a joint investigation into the behaviour of David Sullivan, who has announced he is stepping down as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC.
“Over decades, he’s made millions from pornography, newspapers and football. The investigation is due to be broadcast and published on Monday.”
West Ham released a statement confirming Sullivan’s resignation from both the club and its parent company, WH Holding Limited.
“Mr Sullivan has also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, having been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations.
“It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.”
The club also reiterated that Sullivan denies any wrongdoing and has chosen to step aside while addressing the matter privately.
West Ham confirmed that interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue overseeing the club’s daily operations and will report directly to the remaining board members.
The leadership change comes at a difficult time for the Hammers, who suffered relegation from the Premier League last month and now face a crucial rebuilding period ahead of the new campaign.
For now, one of the most influential figures in West Ham’s modern history has stepped away, while attention shifts to the publication of the investigation and the legal battle that is expected to follow.
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