David Sullivan steps down as West Ham joint-chair with immediate effect | OneFootball

David Sullivan has resigned as West Ham’s joint-chair and a director with immediate effect. The 77-year-old is leaving after 16 years to contest what he says are false allegations about his private life.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club confirmed his departure and said interim chief executive Karim Virani, reporting to the board, will continue to lead day-to-day operations. West Ham added that Sullivan has quit the boards of WH Holding Limited and West Ham United, and that the allegations do not concern the club’s activities. It said an update on the board structure will follow and there will be no further comment.

Sullivan said it was a painful decision taken out of love, respect and responsibility to ensure unity and focus around the club and its supporters. He insisted none of the allegations relate to his more than 30 years in football and said he would not allow personal matters to become a distraction at a pivotal time.

Sullivan and the late David Gold took over after selling Birmingham, appointing Karren Brady as vice-chairman. Their regime later moved the team from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, a switch that sparked anti-board protests among sections of the fanbase.

Gold died in 2023 aged 86, while Baroness Brady left before the end of a difficult season that finished with relegation from the Premier League.

Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky bought a 27 per cent stake in 2021 and is reportedly set to increase his holding.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com