David Sullivan steps down as West Ham co-chairman with speedy impact

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down from his place as joint chairman of the membership with speedy impact.

The Hammers mentioned they’d “been made conscious of the upcoming publication of great historic allegations” regarding Sullivan.

In a press release of his personal, the 77-year-old mentioned a “small variety of improper conduct claims” have been made in opposition to him, including: “I categorically deny these claims.”

He mentioned the “decades-old allegations regarding my private life” are “factually incorrect and completely false”.

Sullivan, who had held the function for 16 years, mentioned he stepped down “to use my full vitality and a spotlight on combating these false allegations”.

Sullivan additionally mentioned he plans to sue the BBC for libel “together with every other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations”.

The Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League on the finish of the 2025-26 season after ending 18th.

“At what’s already a difficult and essential time for the membership, I refuse to permit private issues regarding me to turn into an pointless distraction or a supply of instability,” added Sullivan, who has additionally resigned as a director.

“Due to this fact, after very cautious consideration and with a heavy coronary heart, I’ve determined to resign.”

In a membership assertion, West Ham mentioned Sullivan has denied any “unlawful conduct” and is leaving “with a view to keep away from disruption to the membership whereas he addresses the matter privately”.

Sullivan has been the membership’s largest single shareholder because the demise of his enterprise associate David Gold in January 2023, which left him with a 38.8% stake.

Sullivan and Gold turned joint chairmen of West Ham once they accomplished their takeover of the membership in January 2010.

“It’s understood not one of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations,” mentioned West Ham.

“Interim chief govt officer Karim Virani, reporting into the present board of administrators, will proceed to be accountable for main the membership’s day-to-day operations.

“The membership will present an replace on the longer term construction of the board of administrators in the end, however will make no additional remark right now.”