West Ham co-owner resigns as he awaits 'historic allegations'

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has resigned as co-chairman after what the club said were "historic allegations" that will be made against the 77-year-old.

West Ham said it had been informed of the impending publication of "serious historical allegations" against Sullivan.

Sullivan said in a separate statement that "a small number of allegations of inappropriate behavior" had been filed against him.

It was not stated what the allegations were.

"I categorically deny them," Sullivan stated.

He said that "decades of allegations regarding his private life are factually incorrect and completely false."

Sullivan was co-president of the London club for 16 years, and said he was stepping down to "devote my full energy and attention to fighting these false allegations."

West Ham were relegated from the Premier League this season.

"At a time that is already challenging for the club, I refuse to allow my personal matters to become an unnecessary distraction and source of instability. Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign," Sullivan said.

Sullivan has been the club's largest single shareholder since the death of his business partner David Gold in January 2023. They became co-chairmen of West Ham when they bought the club in January 2010.

"We understand that none of the allegations relate to West Ham or any of the club's operations. Acting Chief Executive Karim Virani, who reports to the current board of directors, will continue to be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the club," the Hammers said in a statement.