Sullivan said his resignation was in response to "decades-old allegations concerning my personal life" Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesJune 6, 2026 7:49 am EDT Updated David Sullivan has resigned as West Ham United joint-chair after what he alleges are “factually incorrect and entirely false” allegations made against him.A club statement on Saturday confirmed Sullivan had stepped aside as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, “having been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations”.A subsequent statement on behalf of the 77-year-old Welsh businessman and his legal representatives said he denied the allegations and would be taking legal action. Sullivan said his resignation was in response to “decades-old allegations concerning my personal life” that were due to be broadcast and published.
“The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media,” Sullivan’s statement read. “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. I categorically deny these claims.”West Ham said it was “understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations”, while Sullivan’s statement added that “none of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football”.Sullivan’s statement read: “I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.”West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last month, ending a 14-year stay in England’s top flight. On the day the club’s relegation was confirmed, West Ham fans chanted “Sack the board” and aimed derogatory personal chants towards Sullivan.Jun 6, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
