West Ham Co-Owner David Sullivan Steps Down Amid Allegations Revealed in BBC and Times Investigation

• Seven women have accused West Ham co-owner David Sullivan of using his position to pursue sexual relationships while they sought modelling work.
• Sullivan strongly denies all allegations and says he plans to pursue legal action against media organisations involved in the reporting.
• The 77-year-old stepped down as West Ham co-chairman on Saturday, citing a desire to avoid disruption to the club.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down as co-chairman of the club after a joint investigation by the BBC and The Times reported allegations from seven women who claim he used his influence to pressure them into sexual acts while they were seeking modelling work early in their careers.

The allegations centre on Sullivan’s ownership of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers during the 1990s and early 2000s. The women alleged that Sullivan exploited his position of power when they were young models hoping to secure work with the publications, which regularly featured topless and glamour photography.

Sullivan, 77, has categorically denied all allegations through his legal representatives.

In a statement released through West Ham, Sullivan said he had become aware of what he described as “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life” that were due to be broadcast and published.

One woman told the BBC’s Panorama programme that she met Sullivan at his home in 1999 to discuss work opportunities and was allegedly told she could become one of his “regular girls” if she had sex with him. The woman, who said she was 20 at the time, claimed she felt compelled into the encounter after being led to a bedroom.

Sullivan’s lawyers rejected the account, describing the scenario as implausible.

According to the BBC, eight women in total reported concerns about Sullivan’s conduct to police over the years. Sullivan was never charged with any offence.

The businessman has indicated he intends to take legal action against the BBC and other media organisations involved in publishing the allegations.

“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,” Sullivan said.

“I categorically deny these claims.”

Sullivan also stressed that none of the allegations relate to his involvement in football ownership.

A self-made businessman, Sullivan built his fortune through publishing, adult entertainment and media ventures during the 1970s and 1980s before moving into football.

His first major involvement in the game came in 1993 when he invested in Birmingham City. After leaving the Midlands club in 2009, he acquired a stake in West Ham United the following year and became one of the most influential figures in the club’s modern history.

His decision to step down as co-chairman comes during a difficult period for West Ham, who suffered relegation from the Premier League this season.

While Sullivan remains a co-owner, his departure from the chairmanship marks a significant development for the club as it prepares for life outside the top flight and faces renewed scrutiny off the pitch.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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