The British government described allegations that West Ham co-owner David Sullivan sexually exploited women on Tuesday as «deeply concerning».
The 77-year-old recently stepped down as co-chairman and director of the London club to fight what he called «false accusations» about his private life. Sullivan, who built a business empire owning pornographic magazines, remains West Ham’s largest shareholder.
The BBC and The Times reported on Monday on stories from seven women who accused Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior. The allegations date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when Sullivan owned the British tabloid newspapers Daily Sport and Sunday Sport.
The women alleged that Sullivan was involved in pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early twenties.
“These deeply disturbing allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need,” a spokesperson for the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport said in a statement.
Speaking on Saturday before the allegations were made public, Sullivan said he «categorically denies» all the allegations. Neither he nor his lawyers have made any further public comment since Monday’s release of the reports.
London’s Metropolitan Police said it was investigating a report relating to the «alleged making of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s».
Police said the investigation concerns one alleged victim and is being led by specialist detectives.
“We take all allegations of crimes against women and girls extremely seriously, regardless of how much time has passed,” the Met said.
“As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and appropriate investigations will be carried out.”
In a statement announcing his resignation as West Ham co-chairman last weekend, Sullivan said: “The false allegations against me have been sensationalized by the media.
“After a lifetime of building businesses in the adult industry, during which I have met thousands of women, it is unfortunately inevitable that a small number of charges of inappropriate behavior will be brought against me.
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“I categorically deny these claims.”
He added that stepping down as chairman and director at West Ham was “incredibly painful” but that a decision was made “out of love, respect and responsibility” to the club and its supporters.
Sullivan and business partner David Gold completed their takeover of West Ham following the sale of Birmingham City, bringing with them Karren Brady as vice-chairman.
Their tenure oversaw the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, which saw the trio become the focus of several anti-management protests among West Ham supporters before the club was relegated from the Premier League last month.
Gold died in 2023 at the age of 86, while Brady left her role in April.
England’s Independent Football Regulator said on Monday it was in contact with West Ham about the «extremely serious allegations».
“We will use our legal powers to obtain urgent information from David Sullivan regarding his suitability under our regime of owners, directors and senior executives,” a spokesperson said.
Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky bought a 27 percent stake in West Ham in 2021 and will reportedly increase his stake.
Published on June 9, 2026
