A Legacy In Full
David Sullivan has stepped down as West Ham's joint-chairman, the club confirmed on Saturday, citing "historic allegations" about to be published by British media. The 77-year-old businessman denied any wrongdoing.
West Ham said Sullivan was made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations. The BBC and the Times newspaper are preparing a joint investigation into his conduct, with their story set to run on Monday.
The record does not need much decoration; it already does the talking.
The east London club stated it understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations. Sullivan decided to step down to avoid disruption to the club while he handles the matter privately.
The Numbers That Last
Sullivan published a separate statement announcing plans to sue the BBC and other media for libel. He said he became aware of "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life due to be broadcast and published."
The former adult entertainment publisher, who built his business empire in the 1970s and 1980s, acknowledged that given his career, "it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me." He categorically denied the claims and emphasized that none relate to his more than 30 years in football.
Sullivan entered soccer in 1993 by buying into Birmingham City, departing in 2009 before acquiring a stake in West Ham the following year. Interim CEO Karim Virani will manage the club's daily operations. Vice chair Karren Brady exited in April, and co-chairman David Gold, Sullivan's long-time business partner, died in 2023.
The Game That Followed
West Ham was relegated from the Premier League this season.