David Sullivan resigned as joint-chair and director of West Ham United on June 6, 2026, with immediate effect amid the impending publication of decades-old allegations about his personal life [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Sullivan, 77, denied the claims and called them "factually incorrect and entirely false," describing them as "sensationalised by the media" [1]. He said, "I categorically deny these claims" and insisted that none of the allegations relate to his over 30 years involved with West Ham, a club he called "one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life" [1].
Sullivan added he stepped down to avoid "unnecessary distraction or a source of instability" for the club [1]. He announced plans to sue the BBC for libel, as well as any other media outlets repeating the allegations [1, 2, 3, 4]. The allegations stem from a joint BBC Panorama and The Times investigation due for broadcast and publication on June 8, 2026 [4].
West Ham United confirmed the allegations do not involve the club or its operations [1, 3, 4, 5]. The club announced that interim CEO Karim Virani will lead day-to-day operations, reporting to the board during the transition [1, 3, 4, 5]. Virani’s role continuity was highlighted in a club statement saying he "will continue to be responsible for leading the club's day-to-day operations" [1].
Sullivan’s involvement with West Ham spans more than 30 years. He became joint-chair alongside David Gold and Karren Brady after selling Birmingham City. Gold died in 2023, and Brady left before the end of the 2025-26 season [5]. Sullivan’s business background includes ventures in adult industries, newspapers, and property. He served 71 days in prison in 1982 related to a conviction involving living off immoral earnings but later won a successful appeal [6].
West Ham was relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the 2025-26 season, ensuring the club will compete in the Championship for the first time since 2011-12 [1, 3, 4]. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky owns a reported 27% stake in West Ham and is said to be increasing his shareholding [5].
