The UK government on July 30 expressed deep concern over allegations that billionaire David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United football club, engaged in predatory sexual behavior. Sullivan, 77, has stepped down as co-chairman of the London club to address what he called “false allegations” about his private life. He remains the club’s largest shareholder, however, as West Ham faces relegation from the Premier League.
British media on July 29 published accounts from seven women accusing Sullivan of sexual exploitation and predatory conduct. The allegations date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when Sullivan owned the tabloid newspapers Daily Sport and Sunday Sport. The women claim Sullivan pressured young models—mostly in their late teens or early 20s—into having sex.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport said on July 30: “These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated by the relevant authorities, while the victims must receive full support.”
Before the allegations were made public, Sullivan on July 27 issued a blanket denial. He said: “The false allegations against me have been blown out of proportion by the media. After a lifetime of building a business in the adult industry, where I met thousands of women, it is unfortunate that a few complaints about improper conduct are now being made. I deny these allegations completely.”
He described his resignation as chairman and director at West Ham as “immensely painful” but a decision made out of “love, respect, and responsibility” for the club and its fans.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating a report relating to “allegations of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s.” Police said the investigation involves one victim and is being carried out by specialist detectives. “We treat all allegations of crimes against women and girls extremely seriously, regardless of how much time has passed,” the Met Police stated.
In a related development, the BBC confirmed it is investigating allegations that Tony Livesey, a former editor-in-chief of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport, helped Sullivan arrange a meeting with one of the accusers. Livesey, now a presenter on BBC’s Radio 5 Live news and sports channel, has “asked to step away from presenting duties for a short period,” the BBC said.
The UK’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) on July 29 said it had contacted West Ham about “extremely serious allegations.” An IFR spokesperson said: “We will use our statutory powers to urgently request information from David Sullivan regarding his suitability under the owners’ and directors’ test regime.”
West Ham is facing considerable upheaval following its relegation from the Premier League in June. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, who purchased a 27% stake in the club in 2021, is expected to increase his ownership share.
