Sullivan resigns as West Ham joint chairman after allegations
14 reported
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down as joint chairman of the club with immediate effect. The move follows a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper into his behaviour, with the BBC stating the Panorama story is due to be broadcast and published on Monday. Sullivan, 77, said a “small number of improper conduct claims” have been made against him, which he “categorically denies.” He described the allegations as “decades-old” and “concerning my personal life,” calling them “factually incorrect and entirely false.” Sullivan stated he stepped down “to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations” and plans to sue the BBC for libel “along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.” West Ham said Sullivan has denied any “illegal conduct” and is leaving “in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately.” The club also stated it is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.
What’s reported
David Sullivan has stepped down as joint chairman of West Ham United with immediate effect.
The resignation follows a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper into his behaviour.
Panorama’s story is due to be broadcast and published on Monday, according to the BBC.
Sullivan said a “small number of improper conduct claims” have been made against him, which he “categorically denies.”
He described the allegations as “decades-old” and “concerning my personal life,” calling them “factually incorrect and entirely false.”
Sullivan said he stepped down “to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations.”
He plans to sue the BBC for libel “along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.”
West Ham said Sullivan has denied any “illegal conduct” and is leaving “in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately.”
The club stated it is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.
Sullivan had held the role for 16 years and has also resigned as a director.
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season after finishing 18th.
Sullivan has been the club’s largest single shareholder since the death of David Gold in January 2023, with a 38.8% stake.
Interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue to lead day-to-day operations.
West Ham fans held protests during the 2025-26 season calling for Sullivan and Baroness Brady to step down; Brady left her role as vice-chair on 15 April.
Key figures
David Sullivan: West Ham United co-owner and former joint chairman.
David Gold: Sullivan’s former business partner, died January 2023.
Karim Virani: Interim chief executive officer of West Ham United.
Baroness Brady: Former vice-chair of West Ham United, left role on 15 April.
Sources: BBC News
