Football Regulator Engages West Ham Over Sullivan Allegations
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has confirmed it is "in contact" with West Ham United and intends to exercise its statutory powers to obtain "urgent information" from co-owner David Sullivan concerning his suitability under the Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime, following allegations made against him.
Several women have accused the billionaire of abusing his power and exploiting them sexually, with some claims involving women in their late teens.
Sullivan has "categorically" denied these allegations, which were revealed by BBC Panorama and The Times.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport described the allegations as "deeply concerning," emphasizing they must be "treated with the utmost seriousness" and thoroughly "investigated by the relevant authorities."
The accusations cover several decades during which Sullivan accumulated wealth through ventures in pornography, newspapers, and football.
All allegations originate from women who were in their late teens or early twenties at the time and were aspiring models seeking employment at Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers.
The IFR characterized the allegations as "extremely serious".
It is anticipated that the regulator will utilize its information-gathering authority to assess whether there are grounds for concern regarding Sullivan's role at West Ham. Should the IFR acquire relevant material, it may initiate an investigation into the co-owner's suitability.
When evaluating a person's suitability, the IFR may consider factors such as honesty and integrity.
A spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport stated:
"These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need.
The Government stands strongly against any form of harassment or abuse of power in the workplace and is working across industries to stamp it out and build an environment where people feel safe and able to challenge inappropriate behaviour."
In response to the allegations, Sullivan stepped down from his position as joint chairman of West Ham over the weekend, prior to the publication of the claims on Monday.
In his resignation statement, he expressed his intention to concentrate on contesting what he described as "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations" related to his personal life, labeling the investigation by Panorama and The Times as "fundamentally unfair."
"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."
West Ham also released a statement noting that Sullivan denied any "illegal conduct" and was stepping down "in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately."
The 77-year-old had served as joint chairman for 16 years and was the club's largest single shareholder following the death of his business partner, David Gold, in January 2023.
