Football Regulator Seeks Urgent Information on 77-Year-Old David Sullivan as West Ham Suitability Review Starts
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 9
Football Regulator Seeks Urgent Information on 77-Year-Old David Sullivan as West Ham Suitability Review Starts
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 9
Summary
The Independent Football Regulator said it is in contact with West Ham and will use statutory powers to seek urgent information from co-owner David Sullivan over his suitability under its owners and directors regime.
Multiple women alleged Sullivan abused his power and preyed on them for sex, including when some were in their late teens or early 20s while seeking work at his newspapers; he categorically denied the claims.
Sullivan, 77, stepped down as West Ham joint chairman over the weekend after 16 years, saying he wanted to fight what he called factually incorrect and entirely false decades-old allegations.
The regulator said the allegations are extremely serious and could lead to a formal suitability investigation if the material it gathers raises grounds for concern about his role at the club.
The government called the claims deeply concerning and said they must be investigated by the relevant authorities, underscoring wider scrutiny of abuse of power in workplaces.