Sullivan told to stay away from West Ham matches after Panorama claims
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has been advised to stay away from the club’s home fixtures at the London Stadium amid concern that his presence could spark fan unrest, following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times into allegations of sexual misconduct.
A spokesperson for London Stadium confirmed the venue had “recommended” that West Ham keep the 77-year-old away from matches, and has asked the club for advance notice of any planned visits so extra safety and operational measures can be put in place. Despite the warning, the club is understood to have told the stadium that Sullivan intends to continue attending games regardless.
Seven accusers, denied allegations
The BBC Panorama and Times investigation, which aired earlier this year, alleged that seven women had accused Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. Sullivan has categorically denied the claims, describing them as “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life.”
He stepped down as West Ham’s joint chairman shortly before the investigation was broadcast, saying at the time he wanted to focus on contesting the claims. He remains the club’s largest shareholder.
The reporting also revealed that Sullivan has been barred from contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams for three years on safeguarding grounds, a restriction imposed after a historic allegation was raised with the Football Association in 2023. Sullivan has previously said that allegation was also false and that he accepted what he called a “meaningless restriction… for a quiet life,” insisting he had never met academy or women’s team players “1-2-1” during his 16 years at the club.
Stadium operator caught unaware
London Stadium, which is publicly owned, said it had been unaware of the safeguarding restriction until the BBC’s report emerged. A spokesperson said that following media reports at the end of last season regarding “a safeguarding matter being managed by the club,” the venue had sought further information to fulfil its own safeguarding responsibilities.
West Ham had told the stadium operator that the matter had been investigated and that the club “does not consider there to be an ongoing safeguarding risk” associated with Sullivan attending fixtures there.
Return to action against Portsmouth
The timing is significant for West Ham, who were relegated from the Premier League in May and are preparing for their first home fixture of the new season – a Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth on Saturday.
Sullivan was a regular fixture in the directors’ box throughout last season and was frequently photographed watching matches from there. It remains unclear whether he will attend Saturday’s game in defiance of the stadium’s advice.
Read more: Staveley consortium in talks over 25% West Ham stake as Sullivan fallout continues
Sources
- dailymail.com
- BBC Sport
This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.
