Football regulator contacts West Ham over David Sullivan abuse allegations

PoliticsFootball
9 Jun 2026 • 5:22 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Football regulator contacts West Ham over David Sullivan abuse allegations

  • The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has contacted West Ham seeking urgent information regarding co-owner David Sullivan, following allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour made by multiple women.
  • The government described the allegations as 'deeply concerning' and stated they must be treated with the 'utmost seriousness' and investigated by relevant authorities.
  • Seven women reported accounts of Mr Sullivan's alleged predatory behaviour dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, primarily when he owned tabloid newspapers.
  • Mr Sullivan, who 'categorically denies' all claims, announced he had stepped down as West Ham chairman over the weekend to fight the allegations.
  • The Metropolitan Police are investigating a report related to the alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation in the 1980s, involving one alleged victim.

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