The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has told West Ham it will use its statutory powers to demand “urgent information” from co-owner David Sullivan “relating to his suitability” under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime, after multiple women accused the billionaire of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, in some cases when they were in their late teens.
The allegations, uncovered by BBC Panorama and the Times, span decades when Sullivan made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football. All come from women who were in their late teens or early twenties and were young models seeking work at Sullivan’s Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers.
“Football regulator demands urgent information on David Sullivan after multiple women accuse him of sexual misconduct.”
Sullivan “categorically” denied the claims. In a resignation statement released over the weekend, before the allegations were published on Monday, he said he wanted to focus on fighting “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations” concerning his personal life, describing the investigation by Panorama and the Times as “fundamentally unfair”. He added that “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”.
The 77-year-old had held the joint chairman position for 16 years. West Ham issued a statement saying Sullivan had denied any “illegal conduct” and was leaving “in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately”.
The IFR called the allegations “extremely serious”. It is expected to use its information-gathering powers to determine whether there are grounds for concern regarding Sullivan’s role in the club. If it does come into possession of such material, it may open an investigation into his suitability. Factors the IFR may consider include whether he has the requisite honesty and integrity.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the “deeply concerning” allegations must be “treated with the utmost seriousness” and “investigated by the relevant authorities”. A spokesperson said: “These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need. The Government stands strongly against any form of harassment or abuse of power in the workplace and is working across industries to stamp it out and build an environment where people feel safe and able to challenge inappropriate behaviour.”