The newly established Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has initiated contact with West Ham United to gather urgent information concerning co-owner David Sullivan, following a series of grave allegations made against him. The IFR, which has characterised the claims as “extremely serious”, is expected to utilise its statutory powers to assess whether there are grounds for concern regarding Mr Sullivan’s continued role at the club under its owners, directors, and senior executives regime.
This development comes in the wake of reports by the BBC and The Times on Monday, detailing accounts from seven women. These women allege that Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour, predominantly during the 1980s and 1990s when he owned the tabloid newspapers Daily Sport and Sunday Sport. The claims suggest Mr Sullivan pressured young or aspiring models, often in their late teens or early twenties, into sexual acts. Mr Sullivan, aged 77, has issued a statement unequivocally denying all allegations.
A spokesperson for the IFR confirmed their engagement with West Ham and their intention to seek information directly from Mr Sullivan regarding his suitability. Concurrently, a spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that these “deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need.” The government emphasised its strong stance against any form of harassment or abuse of power.
Over the weekend, Mr Sullivan announced his decision to step down as chairman of the East London football club to focus on addressing the allegations. In his statement, he contended that the “false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.” He added that after a lifetime in the adult industry, it was “sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me.”
Separately, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating a report related to the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s.” This police investigation, led by specialist detectives, pertains to one alleged victim. Mr Sullivan previously faced legal action in 1982, receiving a conviction for living off immoral earnings, serving 71 days, before his successful appeal. His former newspaper, Daily Sport, ran a controversial feature, “Countdown to 16,” which featured partially clothed schoolgirls before publishing topless photos upon their 16th birthdays, a practice that was legal at the time but would be illegal today following a change in law in 2004 raising the minimum age for topless appearances to 18.
Mr Sullivan, whose net worth was estimated at approximately £1.2 billion in 2024 by The Times Rich List, acquired West Ham United in 2010 with business partner David Gold. Their tenure included the club’s move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016.