Former West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan attended the club's Carabao Cup first-round tie against Portsmouth despite having been advised to stay away from home fixtures at London Stadium. Sullivan stepped down as co-chair in June 2026 after seven women accused him of sexually exploitative and predatory conduct, allegations he firmly denies. The Portsmouth match marked West Ham's first game since those allegations became public.
West Ham's presence in the opening round of the EFL Cup is itself notable, as it is the first time in 15 years the club has entered the competition at this early stage, a direct consequence of relegation from the Premier League last season.
Why was Sullivan told to stay away?
A joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times uncovered that Sullivan has been barred from any contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams for the past three years due to safeguarding concerns. This restriction was reportedly put in place in 2023 by the club, the Football Association and local authorities after the FA launched an inquiry into an anonymous complaint dating back to 1981, according to The Athletic. The same report noted that Sullivan has described the restriction as a "meaningless limitation" that he agreed to simply "for a peaceful existence."
Although he no longer holds the co-chairman title, Sullivan continues to be West Ham's largest individual shareholder, owning a 38.8% stake in the club.
Who asked Sullivan not to attend, and why?
A spokesperson for London Stadium confirmed on Monday to the BBC's news operation that the venue had "recommended" Sullivan avoid attending, citing worries about potential unrest among supporters. According to ESPN, the stadium operator specifically pointed to the risk of demonstrations and anti-social behaviour from some spectators as the reason behind its recommendation, and it also stated that West Ham had assured it there was no ongoing safeguarding risk posed by Sullivan attending. ESPN further reported that the stadium, which has a capacity of 62,500, had asked for advance notice of any visit by Sullivan so it could arrange appropriate safety and operational measures.
Separately, West Ham's Fan Advisory Board had urged Sullivan not to attend home matches, warning that his presence risked becoming a distraction and raising security concerns, according to Sky Sports.
Despite these warnings, no visible disturbances were reported inside the stadium either before kick-off or in the match's early stages.
What happens next?
London Stadium has said it wants advance warning of any future attendance by Sullivan so it can put suitable safety and operational arrangements in place ahead of time, according to ESPN. It remains to be seen whether Sullivan will attend further West Ham home fixtures or whether the club and stadium will formalise arrangements following this first test case.
Key Facts
- Sullivan resigned as West Ham co-chair in June 2026 amid allegations from seven women, which he denies.
- He retains a 38.8% shareholding, making him the club's largest individual shareholder.
- A BBC Panorama and Times investigation found Sullivan has been barred from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023.
- London Stadium, which holds 62,500 people, recommended Sullivan stay away citing fears of fan unrest.
- West Ham's Fan Advisory Board also asked Sullivan not to attend home games, warning of security concerns.
