Story perspectives

West Ham Co-Chair David Sullivan Resigns, Threatens Libel Suit

6/6/2026

Summary

Sullivan Resigns

David Sullivan (77), co-chair of West Ham United, resigned immediately after learning false, decades-old personal allegations would be published.
Sullivan denied the claims, called them sensationalised, and announced he will sue the BBC and any outlet that repeats them for libel.
West Ham said the allegations do not involve club operations or his 30-year football career.
Interim CEO Karim Virani will run day-to-day duties while the board is reviewed.

Summary

Sullivan Holds Stake

David Sullivan holds a 38.8% stake in West Ham United, the largest share after David Gold’s death in January 2023.
Sullivan and Gold completed West Ham United’s takeover in January 2010 and later appointed Baroness Karren Brady as vice-chairman.
The duo oversaw the 2016 move from Upton Park to the London Olympic Stadium, which sparked fan protests.
Baroness Karren Brady resigned as vice-chair before the 2025-26 season ended, a campaign that concluded with relegation.

History

Historical Context

In June 2003 Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea for about $190 million, ending Ken Bates’s era and launching a £2 billion spending spree that yielded five Premier League titles and 21 major trophies. After UK sanctions froze his assets in March 2022, the Premier League removed him as director and the club was sold to Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium, sparking calls for tighter ownership governance.

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Sullivan Resigns

David Sullivan (77), co-chair of West Ham United, resigned immediately after learning false, decades-old personal allegations would be published.
Sullivan denied the claims, called them sensationalised, and announced he will sue the BBC and any outlet that repeats them for libel.
West Ham said the allegations do not involve club operations or his 30-year football career.
Interim CEO Karim Virani will run day-to-day duties while the board is reviewed.

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