David Sullivan, West Ham United’s biggest shareholder for West Ham, has been barred from any contact with the club’s women’s and youth squads since 2023. The Football Association launched a safeguarding probe after receiving allegations about his conduct, prompting a joint safeguarding panel of the FA, the club and the local authority to impose the ban. Sullivan continues to appear in the men’s director’s box.

The restrictions, kept secret until recent reporting, prevent Sullivan from entering training facilities or attending matches involving the women’s and youth sides. While he denied all wrongdoing, he resigned as co‑chair and director last Saturday amid a BBC and Times investigation that featured multiple women alleging sexual exploitation dating back decades and beyond, in the industry. No criminal charges have been filed.

West Ham reiterated that its safeguarding framework remains robust but declined to comment on individual cases, citing standard industry practice and transparency standards. The Metropolitan Police said it treats such allegations “extremely seriously” and will assess any new evidence. With Sullivan’s public role now limited to shareholding, the club faces scrutiny over how long the ban has been enforced.