David Sullivan steps down from West Ham roles after ‘historic allegations’ | Football | Sport
David Sullivan has stepped down from his roles at West Ham (Image: Getty)
West Ham United owner David Sullivan has stepped down from his position as joint-chair of the club and resigned as a director of the club’s holding company. Sullivan has made the decision after being made aware of ‘impending publication of serious historic allegations’ and denies any illegal conduct.
West Ham said in a statement: “West Ham United can confirm that Joint-Chair David Sullivan has stepped down from his position with immediate effect.
“Mr Sullivan has also resigned 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. It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.
“Through his own legal representatives Mr Sullivan denies any illegal conduct and has taken the decision to step down in order to avoid disruption to the Club while he addresses the matter privately.
“Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani, reporting into the current Board of Directors, will continue to be responsible for leading the Club’s day-to-day operations. The Club will provide an update on the future structure of the Board of Directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.”
The allegations do not relate to Sullivan’s involvment in football. He and partner David Gold purchased Birmingham City in 1993, and after selling their stakes in the Midlands club in 2009, they bought a 50 per cent stake in West Ham.
The 77-year-old has released his own statement, following his decision to step down. “I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published,” he said.
“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.
“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.”
David Gold and David Sullivan bought a stake in West Ham after selling Birmingham City (Image: Getty)
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Sullivan has said he is stepping down to avoid his personal situation becoming a distraction at a pivotal time for the club following their relegation from the Premier League. The Irons fell into the Championship despite victory on the final day of the season as they finished 18th in the top-flight.
“At a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability,” Sullivan said.
“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
“This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.”
