David Sullivan resigns as West Ham chair to fight 'serious historic allegations' about his private life

David Sullivan has resigned as joint-chair and director of West Ham United with immediate effect, the club confirmed on Saturday, citing the impending publication of serious historic allegations about his private life. The 77-year-old’s departure comes just two weeks after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League, leaving the club in a period of significant upheaval.

In a personal statement, Sullivan said the decision had been “incredibly painful” but was made “out of love, respect, and responsibility” toward the club and its supporters. He was emphatic that none of the allegations relate to his football career or to West Ham’s operations. “None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football,” he said, describing the claims as “false allegations” about his private life.

West Ham confirmed that interim chief executive Karim Virani will continue to lead the club’s day-to-day operations, reporting to the existing board of directors.

Sullivan and his late business partner David Gold completed their takeover of West Ham after selling Birmingham City, bringing Karren Brady with them as vice-chair. Their 16-year tenure was marked by significant controversy, most notably the club’s move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016 — a decision that sparked sustained protests from supporters. Gold died in January 2023 aged 86, and Brady departed before the end of a turbulent season that culminated in relegation.

“West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life,” Sullivan said. “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.”