West Ham co-owner David Sullivan accused of preying on women for sex | OneFootball

Allegations published by BBC Panorama and The Times with Sullivan denying the claims

On Monday, the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.

The accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s when he owned tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport.

At the weekend Mr Sullivan said he “categorically denies” all of the claims. His lawyers said he would make no further public comment when contacted after Monday’s reports were published.

The Metropolitan Police said they were investigating a report relating to the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s”.

The force said this investigation related to one alleged victim and was being led by specialist detectives from the Met’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.

Scotland Yard said: “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 he was stepping down as chairman of West Ham at 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.

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 said: “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.

Mr Sullivan made his millions from the pornography industry throughout the 1970s.

In 1982, he was convicted of living off immoral earnings and served 71 days in prison before successfully appealing.

Mr Sullivan and business partner David Gold completed their takeover of West Ham in 2010 after selling Birmingham City, and brought Karren Brady with them as vice-chairman.

Their tenure oversaw the move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016.

Mr Gold died in 2023 aged 86, while Baroness Brady left her role before the end of a season which ended in relegation from the Premier League.

Mr Sullivan’s net worth was estimated to be around £1.2 billion in 2024, according to The Times Rich List.