West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down from his place as joint chairman of the membership with speedy impact following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Instances newspaper into his behaviour.
The BBC stated Panorama’s story is because of be broadcast and printed on Monday.
The Hammers stated that they had “been made conscious of the approaching publication of great historic allegations” regarding Sullivan.
In a press release of his personal, the 77-year-old stated a “small variety of improper conduct claims” have been made towards him, including: “I categorically deny these claims.”
He stated the “decades-old allegations regarding my private life” are “factually incorrect and completely false”.
Sullivan, who had held the position for 16 years, stated he stepped down “to use my full power and a focus on combating these false allegations”.
Sullivan additionally stated he plans to sue the BBC for libel “together with every other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations”.
The Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League on the finish of the 2025-26 season after ending 18th.
“At what’s already a difficult and essential time for the membership, I refuse to permit private issues regarding me to turn into an pointless distraction or a supply of instability,” added Sullivan, who has additionally resigned as a director.
“Due to this fact, after very cautious consideration and with a heavy coronary heart, I’ve determined to resign.”
In a membership assertion, West Ham stated Sullivan has denied any “unlawful conduct” and is leaving “so as to keep away from disruption to the membership whereas he addresses the matter privately”.
Sullivan has been the membership’s largest single shareholder for the reason that death of his business partner David Gold in January 2023, which left him with a 38.8% stake.
Sullivan and Gold turned joint chairmen of West Ham after they accomplished their takeover of the membership in January 2010.
“It’s understood not one of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations,” stated West Ham.
“Interim chief govt officer Karim Virani, reporting into the present board of administrators, will proceed to be liable for main the membership’s day-to-day operations.
“The membership will present an replace on the longer term construction of the board of administrators in the end, however will make no additional remark at the moment.”
