The Football Association was aware of serious historic allegations against David Sullivan but decided not to suspend him from his role at West Ham.Sullivan resigned from his position as West Ham’s joint-chair yesterday, saying that he wanted to “apply my full energy and attention on fighting” accusations which are due to be aired in a BBC Panorama documentary on Monday night. Sullivan also stepped aside as a director of WH Holding Limited, the club’s parent company.Sullivan, 77, denies the allegations. In a statement issued on Saturday, Sullivan said that “none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.”He added: “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 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.”
The Athletic has been told by sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking anonymously to protect their positions, that the FA was aware of accusations made against Sullivan and began a safeguarding investigation in 2024, led by safeguarding manager David Gregson.In safeguarding investigations, the FA has the powers to invoke what is known as an Interim Suspension Order (ISO) if it is deemed there is a risk to others. In this case, the FA decided against it and Sullivan has continued attending Premier League games as well as running West Ham on a day-to-day basis. The FA will not state what measures, if any, have been taken.An FA spokesperson said: “We are unable to comment on individual safeguarding matters, including cases that remain active.“We operate a robust safeguarding programme across every level of English football, and all safeguarding referrals are handled in line with our rigorous and stringent policies and procedures.“We investigate and assess allegations and concerns within our jurisdiction about individuals who pose or may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football. We work with statutory agencies, including the police where necessary, and we always take proportionate safeguarding measures, including issuing suspensions when they are appropriate, in accordance with FA safeguarding regulations.”Sullivan and West Ham have been contacted for comment by The Athletic.Sullivan’s resignation is the latest crisis to engulf West Ham, who were relegated from the Premier League last month, ending their 14-year spell in the top flight.Karren Brady, who had worked with Sullivan since their time together at Birmingham City in the 1990s, left her role as West Ham’s vice-chair in April.Jun 7, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
