UK government expresses deep concern over West Ham co-owner’s exploitation allegations
David Sullivan has stepped down as joint chair of the relegated Premier League club to contest claims of sexual exploitation, while the Independent Football Regulator initiates a suitability review.
The United Kingdom’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport has issued a statement expressing deep concern over allegations of sexual exploitation against David Sullivan, the co-owner of West Ham United. The government urged that the claims be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated by relevant authorities, emphasising the need for support for victims.
Sullivan, 77, recently resigned from his roles as joint chair and director of the London football club to contest the allegations, which he describes as false and sensationalised. Despite his resignation, he remains the club’s largest shareholder. The claims, reported by British media, involve seven women accusing Sullivan of predatory behaviour dating to the 1980s and 1990s, a period during which he owned adult publications including the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating reports relating to the alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation in London and Essex. The force stated that specialist detectives are leading the inquiry, which relates to one alleged victim. Police emphasised that they take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, regardless of the time elapsed.
Concurrently, England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has begun assessing Sullivan’s suitability as a club owner under its owners, directors, and senior executives regime. An IFR spokesman confirmed the regulator is in contact with West Ham regarding the extremely serious allegations and will use statutory powers to seek urgent information from Sullivan.
The allegations stem from a two-year joint investigation by The Times and the BBC’s Panorama programme. The BBC is also investigating claims that Tony Livesey, former editor of Sullivan’s tabloids, facilitated a meeting between Sullivan and an accuser. Livesey has firmly denied these allegations and has stepped back from his presenting duties on BBC Radio 5 Live pending the outcome.
Sullivan maintains his innocence, stating that standing down was a decision made out of love, respect, and responsibility to the club and its supporters. His tenure has been marked by controversy, including the move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 and the club’s recent relegation from the Premier League. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, who holds a 27 percent stake, is reportedly set to increase his holding.
