UK Football Regulator Contacts West Ham Over Allegations Against David Sullivan

Posted : 09 June 2026

The UK’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has confirmed it is in contact with West Ham United following serious allegations made against co-owner David Sullivan.

The 77-year-old recently stepped down as chairman of the Premier League club, stating he wanted to defend himself against what he described as false accusations relating to his conduct. However, fresh reporting by the BBC and The Times has detailed claims from several women alleging inappropriate and exploitative behaviour spanning past decades.

According to the reports, seven women have accused Sullivan of misconduct involving aspiring models, with some allegations dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned adult-oriented tabloid newspapers. The claims were uncovered during a long-running investigation involving interviews with former models and industry figures.

In response, the IFR said it is actively engaging with West Ham to assess Sullivan’s suitability under its owners, directors, and senior executives regulations. The regulator described the allegations as extremely serious and confirmed it would use its statutory powers to gather relevant information, while declining to comment further at this stage.

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport also stated that the allegations must be taken seriously and properly investigated, adding that victims should be supported and that there is a wider commitment to tackling abuse of power across industries.

Sullivan has strongly denied all allegations. In earlier statements, he rejected the claims as false and said he would not provide further public comment following legal advice. He also explained that his decision to step down from his role at West Ham was made to protect the club and allow it to focus on football without distraction.

The Metropolitan Police has also confirmed it is investigating a separate historical report relating to alleged indecent images and sexual exploitation involving one victim in the 1980s. The case is being handled by specialist officers from its rape and serious sexual offences unit.

Police said they take all allegations involving women and girls seriously, regardless of when the incidents are said to have occurred, and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Sullivan, who made his fortune in publishing and the adult entertainment industry, has been a controversial figure in English football for decades. He and his late business partner David Gold took control of West Ham in 2010, overseeing the club’s move to the London Stadium in 2016.

West Ham, the Football Association, and Birmingham City have all declined to comment on the latest developments.

UK Football Regulator Contacts West Ham Over Allegations Against David Sullivan

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