A Chance for Redemption? Co-owner of Historic Club Steps Down to Fight Allegations

Sullivan built his business empire from owning adult magazines and sex shops. He stated: "I recently became aware that factually incorrect and entirely untrue decades-old allegations concerning my personal life would be broadcast and published. These false accusations against me have been sensationally inflated by the media.

After a lifetime of building businesses in the adult sector, where I have met thousands of women, it is, unfortunately, inevitable that a small number of allegations of inappropriate conduct would be made against me. I categorically deny these allegations."

Sullivan and his business partner David Gold took over West Ham after selling Birmingham, bringing Karren Brady with them as vice-chairman. Their tenure was marked by the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, making the trio the focus of numerous fan protests even before the club faced relegation from the Premier League this season.

"I am a humble man, and those who know the real David Sullivan personally and professionally, not the caricature invented by tabloid newspapers, know exactly who I am and what I stand for," Sullivan added in his statement.

West Ham's management stated that Sullivan stepped down from his position after being alerted to the impending publication of serious allegations. The club added that it "understands that none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations."