Essex Police have confirmed they received new information following allegations about the conduct of West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan. The 77-year-old recently stepped down as chairman of the east London football club to fight what he described as "false allegations" regarding his behaviour.
Allegations and Police Response
On Monday, the BBC and The Times published accounts from seven women who accused Mr Sullivan of engaging in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. Essex Police stated they "received some contact and inquiries into those are now under way." The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) earlier said it is in contact with the club seeking information about Mr Sullivan's suitability as co-owner following the claims, which he denies.
Downing Street called the allegations "harrowing" and supported the police assessment of the claims. The accounts date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when Mr Sullivan owned tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport. According to reports, the claims involve him pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early 20s. The Times described a two-year investigation involving interviews with dozens of former models and industry sources.
Denials and Statements
Mr Sullivan "categorically denies" all allegations. In a statement through lawyers, he clarified a negotiated agreement with the Football Association (FA), which he said was inaccurately described as a disciplinary ban. He stated: "In my entire 16 years at West Ham United I have never met any academy or women’s team players 1-2-1, therefore a negotiated and temporary agreement with the FA not to do so until the FA resolved an outstanding complaint in relation to a single anonymous complaint regarding an event in 1981 was entered into." He added the complaint had nothing to do with his time in football and never happened, calling it a "meaningless restriction" accepted for a quiet life.
Previous Investigations
The Metropolitan Police are investigating a report relating to alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation in London and Essex in the 1980s, involving one alleged victim. Essex Police previously investigated a non-recent sexual offence report from 2023, reviewing other claims from 2008 and 2021, but took no further action after consulting the Crown Prosecution Service. A spokesman urged any alleged victims to report to Essex Police.
Resignation and Background
Announcing his resignation as West Ham chairman, Mr Sullivan said: "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." He added: "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 fanbase that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward."
Mr Sullivan made his millions from the pornography industry in the 1970s. He and David Gold completed their West Ham takeover in 2010, bringing Karren Brady as vice-chairman. Mr Gold died in 2023, and Baroness Brady left before the season ended in relegation. Mr Sullivan's net worth was estimated at around £1.2 billion in 2024, according to The Times Rich List.
