LONDON — David Sullivan resigned as joint chair of West Ham United on June 7, 2026. The resignation followed a Metropolitan Police investigation into alleged indecent images and sexual exploitation in London and Essex during the 1980s.

An investigative report detailed allegations from seven women who claimed Sullivan pressured them for sex in exchange for modeling work between the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan admitted paying for sex in the 1990s with an individual he believed was 16 or 17 years old. The England Independent Football Regulator contacted West Ham to seek information regarding Sullivan's suitability under its ownership regulations. A spokesperson for the U.K. Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated the allegations against Sullivan must be treated with seriousness and investigated by relevant authorities.

Sullivan said, "I categorically deny these claims." He stated, "The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media." Sullivan added, "These false allegations are factually incorrect and entirely false." He said, "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." Sullivan stated his decision to step down was made "out of love, respect and responsibility" towards the club.

One woman, identified by the alias Florence, alleged that during a 1999 meeting at Sullivan's residence, he told her she would become a regular feature in his publications if she had sex with him. Lawyers for Sullivan described the account as implausible. Tony Livesey, former editor-in-chief of a sports newspaper, arranged a business meeting between Sullivan and an accuser in 1999. Livesey requested a temporary leave from his radio program following allegations that he facilitated this meeting. Sullivan threatened to sue the BBC over the investigation into his conduct.

Sullivan began selling photographs of topless female models from a warehouse in East London in the early 1970s. He and a university associate were each fined £50 at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to conspiring to publish obscene materials. By 1974, Sullivan had achieved millionaire status through his adult entertainment enterprises, and he opened a chain of adult retail stores during the 1970s. In 1982, Sullivan was convicted of profiting from London massage parlors where male clients paid for sex. He served 71 days in prison after a legal appeal reduced his initial nine-month sentence.

Sullivan launched the Sunday Sport newspaper in 1986 and a daily sports newspaper in 1991. In March 1993, he and business partners David and Ralph Gold purchased Birmingham City Football Club for £700,000. Sullivan appointed Karren Brady as managing director of Birmingham City Football Club. Sullivan and David Gold purchased a stake in West Ham United in January 2010. Sullivan served as co-chair of the club for 16 years.