David Sullivan, the billionaire co-owner and joint-chairman of West Ham United, has stepped down with immediate effect after being told about the impending publication of "serious historic allegations" by BBC Panorama and The Times. The 77-year-old, who has held the role for 16 years, said he "categorically" denies the claims and plans to sue the BBC for libel. The allegations are said to relate to his personal conduct, not to the club's operations, and will be aired on Monday.
Sullivan is best known for making his fortune in the adult entertainment industry before founding the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers. He and his late business partner David Gold took over West Ham in January 2010, having previously co-owned Birmingham City from 1993 to 2009. During their ownership, West Ham moved from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016 — a decision that angered many fans — and won the Europa Conference League in 2023, their first major trophy since 1980. The club's best Premier League finish under Sullivan was sixth in 2021, but it was relegated at the end of the 2025-26 season after finishing 18th.
“Why David Sullivan resigned as West Ham chairman over historic allegations and what it means for the club”
For UK readers, Sullivan's resignation matters because it leaves West Ham in uncertain leadership at a critical time. The club is already without Karren Brady, who stepped down as vice-chair in April just before relegation. With Sullivan gone, interim chief executive Karim Virani is running day-to-day operations while the board decides on a new structure. Sullivan remains the largest single shareholder with a 38.8% stake, so his exit from the board does not necessarily mean he is selling the club. The allegations themselves — yet to be published — have already dominated headlines, and Sullivan's threat to sue the BBC ensures the story will continue to unfold.
Q: What are the allegations against David Sullivan? The precise allegations have not been disclosed. Both Sullivan and West Ham have indicated they relate to his personal behaviour, not to the club's operations. The BBC said its investigation with The Times looks into Sullivan's "behaviour" over decades. Sullivan has described them as "decades-old allegations concerning my personal life" and says they are "factually incorrect and entirely false".
Q: Why did David Sullivan resign if he denies the claims? Sullivan said he stepped down to "apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations" and to avoid becoming a distraction for the club at a "challenging and important time" following relegation. He described the decision as "incredibly painful" but made "out of love, respect, and responsibility" toward the club and its fans.
Q: What happens next for West Ham United? The club said it will provide an update on the future structure of the board in due course. For now, interim CEO Karim Virani continues to lead day-to-day operations. Sullivan is expected to sue the BBC once the programme airs, and the legal battle may shape his future involvement. Meanwhile, West Ham fans are waiting to see if the ownership changes or if Sullivan eventually returns to the board.
What happens next is in motion. The BBC Panorama episode is due to air on Monday at 8pm on BBC One. Sullivan has already threatened libel proceedings against the BBC and any other media outlet that repeats the allegations. West Ham's board will announce its new structure in due course, but no timeline has been given. For now, the club's immediate focus is on rebuilding after relegation under interim leadership, while Sullivan fights the claims that brought his long tenure to an abrupt end.