Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDavid Sullivan has resigned as chairman of West Ham United with immediate effect after 16 years in the role. His decision comes two weeks after the East London club was relegated from the Premier League. Sullivan stated he is stepping down to fight "false allegations" concerning his private life, clarifying that these do not relate to his time in football or the club's operations. He expressed that he does not want personal matters to become an unnecessary distraction or source of instability for the club. Interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue to oversee the club's day-to-day operations. In fullDavid Sullivan steps down as West Ham chairman as he fights ‘false allegations’ about private lifeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

West Ham says joint-chairman David Sullivan has stepped down ahead of what the English soccer club called “historic allegations” to be made against him.

West Ham have confirmed that David Sullivan has stepped down from his role with the Hammers having been made aware of the publication of historic allegations, which he denies