Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

David Sullivan Resigns West Ham Co-Owner Amid Abuse Claims

6/9/2026

49 12 Full Breakdown

Summary

Sullivan Resigns

David Sullivan resigned as West Ham United co-owner after abuse allegations.
Former teen models at his Daily and Sunday Sport papers allege he abused power.
Sullivan denied the claims as false and sensationalised.
The Independent Football Regulator will use statutory powers to seek urgent information on his suitability.

Summary

Sullivan Sues BBC

Sullivan announced he will sue the BBC and other media for libel over the abuse allegations.
The BBC investigation found eight women reported Sullivan’s conduct to police, though he has never been charged.
A former model said she was locked in a meeting after Sullivan propositioned her and was released only after raising her voice.
Sullivan’s lawyers called the scenario implausible.
He said the claims are factually incorrect and false.

Summary

Sullivan Retains Stake

David Sullivan retains a 38.8% stake, staying West Ham United’s largest shareholder after resigning.
The board has entrusted interim chief executive Karim Virani to steer the club during the scandal.
Sullivan announced he will refrain from further public comment while preserving all legal options.
Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police say investigations continue but no charges have been filed.

History

Historical Context

Phone-hacking at News of the World began with the 2006 arrest of royal reporter Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, whose raid yielded 11,000 pages listing nearly 4,000 potential victims. Public outrage after the 2011 Milly Dowler disclosure forced the paper’s closure after 168 years, triggered the Leveson Inquiry and a police Operation Weeting led by the Metropolitan Service.

1 of 4

Sullivan Resigns

David Sullivan resigned as West Ham United co-owner after abuse allegations.
Former teen models at his Daily and Sunday Sport papers allege he abused power.
Sullivan denied the claims as false and sensationalised.
The Independent Football Regulator will use statutory powers to seek urgent information on his suitability.

1 / 4