David Sullivan Resigns as West Ham Joint-Chair Amid Personal Allegations

Posted : 06 June 2026

David Sullivan has announced his immediate resignation as joint-chairman of West Ham United, ending a 16-year leadership spell at the Premier League club.

The 77-year-old businessman said he made the decision in order to concentrate on responding to allegations concerning his private life that he claims are false and inaccurate. In a statement released on Saturday, Sullivan said he had recently learned that longstanding claims about him were set to be published and broadcast by media outlets.

Sullivan strongly denied the accusations, describing them as entirely untrue and criticizing what he called the sensationalized coverage surrounding the matter. He stated that his long career in the adult entertainment industry, where he interacted with many people over the years, had made him vulnerable to a small number of misconduct allegations, all of which he rejects.

One of the most recognizable figures in English football ownership, Sullivan built his fortune through businesses in the adult magazine and retail sectors before moving into football. Alongside his late business partner David Gold, he acquired West Ham after previously owning Birmingham City. The pair also brought Karren Brady to the club, where she served as vice-chair.

During Sullivan’s tenure, West Ham underwent one of the most significant changes in its history by relocating from its historic Upton Park home to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016. The move proved divisive among supporters and contributed to ongoing tensions between fans and the club’s hierarchy.

In recent years, Sullivan, Gold, and Brady were frequently targeted by supporter protests, with many fans expressing frustration over the club's direction. Those tensions intensified following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League this season.

Explaining his decision to step aside, Sullivan said he wanted the club and its supporters to remain fully focused on the future without distraction. He described the resignation as a difficult but necessary choice made out of respect for West Ham and its fan base.

West Ham acknowledged Sullivan’s departure in a brief statement, confirming that details regarding the future structure of the club’s board will be announced at a later date. The club added that it would not be making any further comments for the time being.

Attention is now likely to turn to Czech investor Daniel Kretinsky, who purchased a 27 percent stake in West Ham in 2021 and has been widely linked with increasing his ownership position. His next move could play a significant role in shaping the club’s leadership and long-term direction following Sullivan’s exit.

David Sullivan Resigns as West Ham Joint-Chair Amid Personal Allegations

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