West Ham co‑owner David Sullivan stepped down as joint chairman after a BBC Panorama expose and The Times piece named him in abuse allegations. The 77‑year‑old denied the claims and called the investigation “fundamentally unfair.” The club said his exit would limit disruption while the matter is addressed privately.

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) confirmed it is in contact with West Ham and will exercise its statutory powers to obtain urgent information on Sullivan’s suitability under the Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime. The regulator cited “extremely serious” allegations spanning decades, involving women in their teens and early twenties who worked for his newspapers.

Sullivan’s resignation follows claims that he abused power and preyed on models for sex, with some incidents occurring when they were as 17. He maintains he faced “a small number of improper conduct claims” despite a career built on adult publishing and football ownership. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport urged full investigation.

Sullivan’s exit leaves West Ham without its longest‑serving chairman and largest shareholder, potentially unsettling the club’s governance structure. With the IFR poised to assess his suitability, the club faces scrutiny over its leadership. The regulator’s inquiry could trigger further investigations into executive conduct, impacting West Ham’s reputation and stakeholder confidence for the season and fans.