News Focus
- David Sullivan quits as West Ham chairman and director with immediate effect
- BBC Panorama and The Times investigated historical misconduct claims against the 77-year-old
- Sullivan denies all allegations and plans to sue the BBC for libel
- West Ham were recently relegated from the Premier League after finishing 18th
- Interim CEO Karim Virani will manage day-to-day operations during the transition
West Ham United have announced that David Sullivan has left his post as joint chairman. The 77-year-old has also resigned from his position as a club director.
The departure follows a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper. They plan to publish serious historical allegations about Sullivan’s personal conduct on Monday.
Sullivan strongly denies the claims. He describes them as “factually incorrect and entirely false.” The businessman says he will sue the BBC and other media outlets for libel.
“I categorically deny these claims,” Sullivan stated. He explained that the allegations concern his personal life from many decades ago. The club confirmed that none of the claims relate to West Ham United or its operations.
Sullivan has controlled the club since 2010. He became the largest shareholder in 2023 after his business partner David Gold died. Together, they oversaw the move from Upton Park to London Stadium in 2016. They also celebrated the Conference League victory in 2023.
The Hammers recently ended their 14-year stay in the top flight. They finished 18th in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season. Supporters held numerous protests this season calling for Sullivan and former vice-chair Karren Brady to step down. Brady left her role in April.
Sullivan said he resigned to protect the club. “I refuse to allow personal matters to become an unnecessary distraction,” he explained. He wants to focus his full energy on fighting the allegations.
West Ham confirmed that interim chief executive Karim Virani will continue to lead daily operations. The board will announce a new leadership structure in the future.