David Sullivan steps down as West Ham chairman over ‘serious historic allegations’

Sullivan denies all allegations made against him.

The club issued a statement this morning (Saturday, June 6), confirming Sullivan's decision.

The statement reads: "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. It is understood that none of the allegations relates to West Ham United or any of its operations.

"Through his own legal representatives, Mr Sullivan denies any illegal conduct and has decided to step down to avoid disruption to the Club while he addresses the matter privately.

"Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani, reporting to the current Board of Directors, will continue to be responsible for leading the Club’s day-to-day operations. The Club will provide an update on the future structure of the Board of Directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time."

A statement from Mr Sullivan said: "I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published."

West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last month.

Sullivan has also released a statement through his legal representatives, which vehemently denies the allegations made against him: “I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.

“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. I categorically deny these claims.

“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.

“I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility before publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.

“None of these allegations relates to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.

“Therefore, 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.

“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention to fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team, and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.