Zürcher Nachrichten - UK government 'concerned' by abuse claims against West Ham co-owner

The 77-year-old recently quit as joint chair of the London football club to fight what he said were "false allegations" about his private life.

But Sullivan, who built a business empire from owning pornographic magazines, remains West Ham's largest shareholder.

The BBC and Britain's The Times newspaper reported Monday accounts from seven women accusing Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.

The allegations date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when Sullivan owned British tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport. The women claim Sullivan was involved in pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early 20s.

In a statement, a spokesman for the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need."

Speaking Saturday before the allegations were made public, Sullivan said he "categorically denies" all the claims.

Neither he nor his lawyers have made any further public comment since Monday's reports were published in the Times daily and on the BBC.

London's Metropolitan Police said they were investigating a report relating to the "alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s".

The force said their investigation related to one alleged victim and was being led by specialist detectives.

"We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed," the Met said.

"As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and the appropriate inquiries carried out."

- 'Sensationalised' -

In a statement announcing he was stepping down as joint-chairman of West Ham last weekend, Sullivan said: "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."

He added that standing down from his chairman and director roles at West Ham was "incredibly painful" but a decision made "out of love, respect and responsibility" towards the club and its supporters.

Sullivan and business partner David Gold completed their takeover of West Ham after selling another football club in Birmingham City, and brought Karren Brady with them as vice-chairman.

Their tenure oversaw the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, making the trio the focus of numerous anti-board protests among West Ham supporters even before the club were relegated from the Premier League last month.

Gold died in 2023, aged 86, while Brady left her role in April.

England's Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said Monday it is in contact with West Ham about the "extremely serious allegations".

A spokesman added: "We will use our statutory powers to seek urgent information from David Sullivan relating to his suitability under our owners, directors and senior executives regime."

Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky bought a 27 percent stake in West Ham in 2021 and is reportedly set to increase his holding.

R.Bernasconi--NZN