West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down as chairman after seven women made allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour, with police urging other potential victims to come forward
Police have called on potential victims of sexual offences to step forward following allegations made against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. The 77-year-old recently stepped down as chairman of the east London football club to contest what he described as “false allegations” regarding his behaviour.
On Monday, both the BBC and The Times published the accounts of seven women who allege that Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory conduct.
These accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s when he was the owner of tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport.
Over the weekend, Mr Sullivan stated that he “categorically denies” all of the claims. His legal team said he would not be making any further public comment when contacted after Monday’s reports were released.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were investigating a report concerning the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s”.
The force stated this investigation pertained to one alleged victim and was being spearheaded by specialist detectives from the Met’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.
Scotland Yard stated: “We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed.
“As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and the appropriate inquiries carried out.
“In recent years we have been working closely with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure that victim-survivors are at the heart of our response, with a greater focus on suspects and their offending.
“We would encourage any victims of sexual offences to come forward and speak to us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
In a statement announcing his resignation as chairman of West Ham over the weekend, Mr Sullivan said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that joint-chair David Sullivan has stepped down from his position with immediate effect.
“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.”
Mr Sullivan amassed his fortune from the pornography industry during the 1970s.
In 1982, he was found guilty of living off immoral earnings and spent 71 days behind bars before mounting a successful appeal.
Mr Sullivan and business partner David Gold sealed their West Ham takeover in 2010 following the sale of Birmingham City, bringing Karren Brady along as vice-chairman.
Their ownership witnessed the club’s relocation from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016.
Mr Gold passed away in 2023 at the age of 86, while Baroness Brady departed her position before the conclusion of a campaign that culminated in Premier League relegation.
According to The Times Rich List, Mr Sullivan’s wealth was valued at approximately £1.2 billion in 2024.
The FA has been contacted for comment. West Ham and Birmingham declined to comment.