West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has resigned from his position with immediate effect after learning that media organisations were preparing to publish what he described as “factually incorrect and entirely false” allegations concerning his personal life.
The 77-year-old businessman also stepped down as a director of WH Holding Limited and the football club, ending a significant chapter in his long association with West Ham.
In a detailed personal statement, Sullivan said he had become aware of decades-old allegations that were due to be broadcast and published by media outlets. He strongly denied all claims and accused parts of the media of sensationalising the situation.
“The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media,” Sullivan said.
He added that after spending decades building businesses within the adult entertainment industry and interacting with thousands of people throughout his career, he believed it was inevitable that some allegations would emerge, but insisted they were entirely untrue.
Sullivan announced that he intends to launch legal action against the BBC and any other media organisations that repeat what he describes as defamatory claims.
“I categorically deny these claims,” he stated, adding that his legal team has been instructed to pursue proceedings against those responsible for publishing the allegations.
West Ham United stressed that none of the allegations relate to the football club, its employees, players, supporters or day-to-day operations.
The club confirmed that Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will continue overseeing daily operations while the board considers its future leadership structure.
Sullivan described stepping down as one of the most difficult decisions of his career but said he did not want the controversy to become a distraction at a critical time for the club.
“West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life,” he said. “I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future.”
The resignation comes during a challenging period for West Ham after the club suffered relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season. The Hammers will now compete in the Championship for the first time since the 2011–12 campaign.
Sullivan said he plans to devote all of his attention to defending himself against the allegations and pursuing legal remedies.
The BBC has not publicly responded to the claims at the time of writing.
The development marks a major change in the leadership of one of English football’s most well-known clubs and raises questions about the future structure of West Ham’s ownership and boardroom leadership as the team prepares for life outside the Premier League.
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