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West Ham United<\/b><\/a> co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down from his position as joint chairman of the club with immediate effect following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper into his behaviour.<\/b><\/p>\n The BBC said Panorama’s story is due to be broadcast and published on Monday.<\/p>\n The Hammers said they had “been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations” concerning Sullivan.<\/p>\n In a statement of his own, the 77-year-old said a “small number of improper conduct claims” have been made against him, adding: “I categorically deny these claims.”<\/p>\n He said the “decades-old allegations concerning my personal life” are “factually incorrect and entirely false”.<\/p>\n Sullivan, who had held the role for 16 years, said he stepped down “to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations”.<\/p>\n Sullivan also said he plans to sue the BBC for libel “along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations”.<\/p>\n The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season after finishing 18th.<\/p>\n “At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability,” added Sullivan, who has also resigned as a director.<\/p>\n “Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign.”<\/p>\n In a club statement, West Ham<\/a> said Sullivan has denied any “illegal conduct” and is leaving “in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately”.<\/p>\n Sullivan has been the club’s largest single shareholder since the death of his business partner David Gold<\/a> in January 2023, which left him with a 38.8% stake.<\/p>\n Sullivan and Gold became joint chairmen of West Ham<\/a> when they completed their takeover of the club in January 2010.<\/p>\n “It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United<\/a> or any of its operations,” said West Ham<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Interim chief executive officer Karim Virani, reporting into the current board of directors, will continue to be responsible for leading the club’s day-to-day operations. <\/p>\n “The club will provide an update on the future structure of the board of directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n