The Independent Football Regulator could force David Sullivan to sell his 38.8% stake in West Ham United after the former pornography billionaire was accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour spanning decades. The 77-year-old announced his resignation as a director and co-chair of the club on Saturday, ahead of a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times reporting multiple women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Three women alleged Sullivan abused his power as the owner of the Sport newspapers to prey on them for sex when they were seeking work. A further four women accused him of exploitative and predatory behaviour, including allegations he tried to pressure them into sex during business meetings. The allegations span decades, starting in the 1980s, and involve women in their late teens and early 20s.
“Regulator could force David Sullivan to sell West Ham stake over sexual misconduct allegations.”
The regulator, created under the Football Governance Act and tasked with overseeing owners' suitability, has contacted West Ham and is seeking "urgent information" from Sullivan. An IFR spokesperson said: "These are extremely serious allegations. We are in contact with West Ham on this matter and will use our statutory powers to seek urgent information from David Sullivan relating to his suitability under our owners, directors and senior executives regime."
If the regulator determines Sullivan lacks the requisite honesty and integrity, it could expel him as an owner, forcing a sale. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport called the allegations "deeply concerning" and said they must be "investigated by the relevant authorities".
Through his lawyers, Sullivan said: "I categorically deny all of these complaints." He added: "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me."
One woman, given the pseudonym Florence, said she felt forced to have sex with Sullivan in 1999 when she went to his Essex mansion for a business meeting. She recalled him telling her in crude language that if she let him have sex with her, "then you'll be one of my regular girls" and promised magazine covers. Sullivan has not responded to follow-up queries.
The regulator is expected to determine whether there are grounds for concern regarding Sullivan's role. If it opens an investigation, it could ultimately force him to sell his stake.