David Sullivan stepped down as co‑chair of West Ham United after the club warned of an impending release of historic allegations. The former co‑owner, who holds just under 39% of the club, said he would avoid further disruption while addressing the claims privately.

The resignation follows West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League, a blow that will shrink revenue by a sizeable margin. The club posted a £104mn loss on £227.5mn of revenue last season, and demotion will cut next‑season income sharply.

Sullivan, 77, co‑owned West Ham since 2010 with David Gold, who died in 2023. The Gold family still holds 25% of the club, while Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský owns 27% and now serves as sole chair.

West Ham’s turmoil, compounded by fan protests and the recent exit of vice‑chair Baroness Karren Brady, signals a volatile period ahead. The club’s leadership must stabilize quickly to navigate the financial and reputational fallout from the allegations and league drop.