Former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan has resigned as co-chairman of West Ham United, citing what he describes as 'factually incorrect and entirely false' allegations about his personal life that are set to be made public.
The 77-year-old, who co-owned Birmingham City for 16 years until 2009, has been a key figure at West Ham since 2010 alongside his late business partner David Gold. While Sullivan remains the club's largest shareholder, he has stepped down as a director of both West Ham United Football Club and WH Holding Ltd.
West Ham confirmed the decision, stating Sullivan acted to 'avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately.' Sullivan has denied any illegal conduct and vowed to sue the BBC over the impending broadcast.
Statement from David Sullivan
In a lengthy personal statement, Sullivan said: 'I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.'
'The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.'
'I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.'
Legal action planned
Sullivan criticised the verification process, saying: 'I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.'
He stressed that none of the allegations relate to his football career: 'None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. 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.'
'Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.'
'This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.'
'I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.'
As of yet, no allegations have been published against Sullivan in the media.
