David Sullivan resigns as West Ham chairman amid historic allegations

David Sullivan has resigned as West Ham chairman and director with immediate effect after learning that, in his words, "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations" about his personal life were due to be published. He ended a 16-year spell at the club and also stepped down as a director of WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.

Sullivan said he was leaving to avoid becoming a distraction during what he described as an important rebuilding phase for the club. Sullivan rejected the claims and criticised the reporting, saying the false allegations had been "sensationalised by the media" and insisting "I categorically deny these claims." He also vowed to pursue legal action, stating: "I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations." He emphasised that none of the allegations related to his involvement in football and pointed to his long association with the game and his commitment to West Ham.

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