David Sullivan quits West Ham after being made aware of 'serious historic allegations'

West Ham have confirmed that David Sullivan has quit his role at the club after 16 years of service.

The 77-year-old, who was co-chairman of the Hammers, has departed just weeks after the club's relegation to the Championship was confirmed.

West Ham have released a statement confirming Sullivan's exit, saying that he's leaving after being 'made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations'.

It is also made clear that Sullivan 'denies any illegal conduct' and is poised to address the matter 'privately'.

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West Ham's statement read: "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."

Sullivan has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"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 in a statement of his own.

"The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.

"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.

"I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication.

"I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.

"None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life.

"I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already 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.

"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.

"I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.

"As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever. West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the Board of Directors and interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.

"I will not be making further public comment at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory allegations."

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Sullivan and his long-time business partner, the late David Gold, completed their takeover of the club in 2010.

He oversaw the Hammers' move to the London Stadium in 2016, four years after the London Olympics took place in the venue.

His spell in charge has seen highs and lows. The club were relegated in 2011, while they dropped down to the Championship just two weeks ago despite thumping Leeds United 3-0 on the final day of the season.

However, there has been silverware along the way.

West Ham secured promotion to the Premier League in 2012, bouncing straight back up, after overcoming Blackpool 2-1 in the play-off final at Wembley.

The highest point in their recent history came in the summer of 2023, when David Moyes steered West Ham to glory in the UEFA Conference League.

Italian side Fiorentina were beaten 2-1 in the final in Prague, with Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen both scoring.

It's shaping up to be a big summer of change at West Ham following their recent relegation, especially with Karren Brady leaving her own position earlier in the year.

Several big players could leave the club, with captain Bowen linked with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle.

Matheus Fernandes has also attracted interest from big sides, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain all emerging as potential suitors.

At one point, it was rumoured that manager Nuno Espirito Santo would be leaving.

However, the Portuguese is poised to stay and attempt to steer them back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

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