UK Government Expresses Concern Over Abuse Claims Against West Ham Co-Owner David Sullivan

The Allegations Against David Sullivan

Allegations that the billionaire co-owner of West Ham football club, David Sullivan, preyed on women for sex are “deeply concerning”, the British government has said.

The 77-year-old recently quit as joint chair of the London football club to fight what he said were “false allegations” about his private life.

Reports broke in the British media on Monday of accounts from seven women accusing Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.

The allegations date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when Sullivan owned British tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport.

The Government's Response

In a statement, a spokesman for the United Kingdom’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport said on Tuesday: “These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need.”

London’s Metropolitan Police said they were investigating a report relating to the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s”.

The Impact on West Ham United

Sullivan, who built a business empire from owning pornographic magazines, remains West Ham’s largest shareholder.

England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said Monday it is in contact with West Ham about the “extremely serious allegations”.

A spokesman added: “We will use our statutory powers to seek urgent information from David Sullivan relating to his suitability under our owners, directors and senior executives regime.”

The Future Outlook

Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky bought a 27 percent stake in West Ham in 2021 and is reportedly set to increase his holding.

The allegations against Sullivan have raised questions about the future of West Ham United and the potential consequences for the club.