Football regulator seeks info from West Ham owner over abuse allegations

The UK's Football Regulator (IFR) has initiated contact with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, signaling a potential investigation into his suitability to own a stake in the club. This action follows serious allegations of abuse of power and sexual predation made against the billionaire by multiple women.

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in contact with West Ham and will use its statutory powers to seek "urgent information" from co-owner David Sullivan "relating to his suitability" under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime, after allegations against him.

Sullivan, who categorically denies the claims, faces accusations that span decades and involve young models seeking work at his former newspapers. The allegations have prompted the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to state they must be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated by relevant authorities.

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categorically denied the claims

The IFR, empowered by statutory powers, will now seek "urgent information" from Sullivan. The regulator's assessment of suitability typically includes factors like honesty and integrity. If the gathered material raises concerns, an investigation into Sullivan's role at West Ham could commence.

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These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need.

Sullivan recently stepped down from his role as joint chairman of West Ham, stating he wanted to focus on fighting "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations." He acknowledged that "a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me" after a career in the adult industry. West Ham stated Sullivan denied any "illegal conduct" and that his departure was to avoid club disruption.

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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