David Sullivan RESIGNS as West Ham joint-chair with immediate effect after hitting out at ‘entirely false, decades-old allegations that are set to be broadcast’

David Sullivan has left crisis club West Ham United amid ‘serious historical allegations’ that are about to be made public.

In a bombshell statement published yesterday, the unpopular co-owner revealed he was leaving the relegated Hammers, claiming he had been ‘informed of the imminent publication of serious historical allegations’.

It is thought a power struggle could be brewing in the boardroom as Czech co-chairman Daniel Kretinsky understands that Sullivan has reservations about the controversial plan for his two sons, Jack and David, to succeed him. Kretinsky, who actually owns a 27 percent stake, may want to increase his shares and take control of the club.

Sullivan, 77, referred to “decades-old, factually false and completely false allegations about my personal life” and said they “will be published.”

He said: ‘I have recently become aware that decades of factually false and completely false allegations about my personal life will be published.

‘The false allegations against me have been sensationalized by the media. After a lifetime of building a business in the adult industry where I have met thousands of women, it is unfortunately inevitable that a small number of allegations of inappropriate behavior will be made against me.

‘I categorically deny these allegations.

‘I am a special man and those who know the real David Sullivan personally and professionally, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I represent. I’m definitely not the person the media decided to portray me as.

Sullivan was recently at the London Stadium for West Ham’s final game of the season against Leeds, where it was confirmed that they would be relegated from the top-flight league.

‘I have been given no appropriate explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility before publication. I believe the entire process is fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in impartiality. ‘I will be suing the BBC and other media outlets for libel that repeat defamatory allegations.’

Sullivan, who previously played for Birmingham City, added that none of the allegations were related to his time in football. ‘We are already in a difficult and important period for the club,’ he said. ‘I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or source of instability.

‘Therefore, after very careful consideration and with regret, I have decided to resign as Joint Chairman and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.

‘This was an incredibly painful decision, but one that comes from love, respect and responsibility towards a football club and a fan base that deserves absolute unity and focus on progress.

‘I am resigning to devote all my energy and attention to fighting these false allegations. I have officially appointed my legal team and we are preparing to take legal action regarding each false complaint made against me. I will seek full redress on all fronts, legally and publicly.

“As I leave, I would like to thank everyone associated with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and achievements that I will carry with me forever.

West Ham United will always remain close to my heart and I have every confidence that the Board and interim Chief Executive Karim Virani will do everything they can to move the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club success in the future.

He, along with former vice-chairman Brady, has come under fire for his steady support of West Ham, who have endured a dismal season at the London Stadium.

‘I will not be commenting further publicly at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory claims.’

In response, the BBC said: ‘BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper are working together on a joint investigation into the conduct of David Sullivan, who has announced his resignation as joint chairman and director of West Ham United FC. For decades he made millions from pornography, newspapers and football. The investigation is scheduled to be published and published on Monday.’

This being the case, Sullivan retains a 38.8 percent stake in the club. In April, right-hand woman Karren Brady left the club.

Throughout a season of turmoil, Hammers fans have frequently protested against Sullivan and Brady amid toxic scenes. As well as significant redundancies following relegation, a massive sale of players is also expected.

A separate statement from West Ham said Sullivan had “decided to resign to avoid disruption to the club while we deal with the matter privately”.

They added that interim CEO Karim Virani ‘will continue to be responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the club’.

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