West Ham have confirmed that David Sullivan has resigned from his role with the Hammers after being informed of the historic allegations, which Sullivan denies.
David Sullivan steps down as West Ham chairman and director with immediate effect (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
West Ham United have announced that David Sullivan has stepped down as co-chairman and director of the club.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, West Ham confirmed that the decision was reached after Mr Sullivan was informed of “serious historical allegations”, which Mr Sullivan denies.
A statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that co-chairman David Sullivan has resigned with immediate effect.
“Mr Sullivan has also resigned from the boards of WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club in recognition of the impending publication of serious historical allegations. It is understood that none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or its operations in any way.”
“Mr. Sullivan denies any wrongdoing through his legal representatives and has made the decision to resign to avoid disruption to the club while this matter is dealt with privately.
“Interim Chief Executive Karim Villani, who sits on the current board, will continue to be responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the club. The club will provide an update on the future composition of the board in the coming days, but we will have no further comment at this time.”
Sullivan has been involved in football ownership since 1993, when he and partner David Gold bought Birmingham City. After selling his stake in the Midlands club in 2009, he and Gold (who died in 2023) bought a 50% stake in West Ham.
Sullivan also issued a statement through his legal representative strongly denying the accusations against him, saying:
David Sullivan has owned shares in West Ham since 2010 (Image: Action Images via Reuters)
“The false allegations against me have been sensationalized by the media. I have spent my life building a business in the adult industry and have met thousands of women, but unfortunately it is inevitable that a small number of allegations of inappropriate conduct will be made against me. I categorically deny these allegations.”
“I am a private citizen, and those who know the real David Sullivan, personally and professionally, and not the tabloid-concocted caricature, know exactly who I am and what I represent. I am not at all the person the media has decided to portray me as.”
“I have not been provided with an adequate explanation of how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility before publication. I believe the entire process is fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in due impartiality. I intend to sue the BBC for defamation, along with other news organizations that have repeated the defamation claims.”
“None of these allegations have anything to do with my more than 30 years of 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 difficult and important period for the club, I will not allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or cause for instability.”
David Sullivan bought a 50 per cent stake in West Ham in 2010 with business partner David Gold.
“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to step down as co-chairman and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
“This is an incredibly difficult decision, but one made out of love, respect and responsibility for our football club and fan base, and our focus is on absolute unity and moving forward.”
“I am resigning my position in order to use all of my energy and caution to combat these false allegations. I have formally engaged my legal team and am preparing to begin legal proceedings regarding any and all false accusations made against me. I will seek full legal and public redress on all fronts.”
“As I leave, I would like to thank everyone involved at West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendships, memories and adventures and successes we have had in Europe that will last forever. West Ham United will always be close to my heart and I have full confidence in the board and interim chief executive Karim Villani to do everything they can to take the club in the right direction. I wish everyone involved at the club every success in the future.”
“While I do not plan to make any further public comment at this time, I reserve all legal rights available to me regarding false or defamatory allegations.”
