David Sullivan Steps Down As West Ham Joint-Chair After Serious Historic Allegations

David Sullivan stepped down as West Ham joint-chair with immediate effect, leaving a role he had held for 16 years and two weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League.

“- Published West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down from his position as joint chairman of the club with immediate effect following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper into his behaviour”

BBC

West Ham said interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue to be responsible for leading the club’s day-to-day operations, while the club said it would provide “an update on the future structure of the board of directors in due course” later.

BBC

Sullivan framed his exit as a response to “false allegations” about his private life, saying he had decided to resign “with immediate effect” after becoming aware of “serious historic allegations” due to be broadcast and published on Monday.

The BBC spokesperson confirmed that “BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper have been working together on a joint investigation into the behaviour of David Sullivan,” and the investigation was described as due to be broadcast and published on Monday.

Sullivan denied the allegations and said, “I categorically deny these claims,” while also saying he would sue the BBC and any other outlet that repeats “libelous” allegations.

In his statement, Sullivan said, “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media,” and he added that he had 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.”

Devdiscourse

The club said it was “understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations,” and West Ham said Sullivan resigned to avoid disruption while he addresses the matter privately.

The i Paper reported that the BBC said the allegations relate to Sullivan’s “behaviour,” and it described the broadcaster’s statement as pointing to Sullivan’s “personal life” rather than his position within the club.

With Sullivan’s resignation, West Ham’s leadership structure shifted as interim CEO Karim Virani took over day-to-day operations while the board considered future restructuring.

“Sullivan has denied any illegal conduct and will step down from his role to 'avoid disruption to the Club while he addresses the matter privately'”

Flashscore

The Independent reported that Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky bought a 27 per cent stake in the club in 2021 and was reportedly set to increase his stake, as West Ham said it would give an update on the future structure of the board later.

The i Paper said the BBC Panorama episode was set to air on BBC One at 8pm on Monday, 8 June, and it described the investigation as due to be broadcast and published on Monday.

In the meantime, Sullivan said he was “stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations,” and he said he had “officially engaged my legal team” to prepare legal proceedings.