Overview
- West Ham confirmed that David Sullivan stepped down as joint‑chair and director with immediate effect on Saturday after he was told that serious historic allegations were due to be published.
- A joint BBC Panorama and The Times investigation published on Monday set out allegations from seven women that date to the 1980s and 1990s; the reporting characterises the claims as relating to Sullivan’s private life.
- Sullivan has strongly denied the allegations, called them "entirely false," and said he will sue the BBC and any outlets that repeat libellous claims.
- The club says the allegations do not concern West Ham’s operations and has appointed interim chief executive Karim Virani to run day‑to‑day business while the board reviews its structure.
- Sullivan remains a major shareholder (reported at about 38.8%) and outlets have reported he is open to selling his stake, a move that would reshape the club’s ownership and finances as it prepares for life outside the Premier League.