West Ham United are facing a governance and ownership test after David Sullivan stepped down as co-chair while the Independent Football Regulator seeks urgent information relating to his suitability as a club owner and director.
Sullivan, the club’s largest shareholder, denies allegations about his private life uncovered by BBC Panorama and the Times. The allegations are not focused on West Ham, but they have landed at a fragile moment for a club already dealing with relegation, senior departures and a crucial summer of football decisions.
The regulator has contacted West Ham over what it described as extremely serious allegations and is expected to use its statutory powers to assess whether there are grounds for concern about Sullivan’s role. The IFR’s owners, directors and senior executives test can consider factors including honesty and integrity.
Sullivan stood down on 7 June, saying he wanted to focus on fighting what he called “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life.” He described the investigation as “fundamentally unfair” and has categorically denied the claims.
A club still shaped by Sullivan’s stake
Sullivan’s departure from the co-chair role does not remove him from West Ham’s ownership structure. He remains the largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake. The next largest shareholders are Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, with 27%, and Vanessa Gold, daughter of the late David Gold, with 25.1%.
West Ham said it would provide an update on the future structure of its board in due course. BBC Sport reported that Sullivan’s sons, Jack and David Jr, will not take a hands-on role at the club.
That leaves attention on Kretinsky and Gold as West Ham decide who will drive strategy at a time when the club need both financial discipline and a rapid sporting reset. Gold said in October 2023 that she would consider selling part of her stake to the right partner, though no deal has followed.
Kretinsky’s influence is expected to grow. Speaking to a Czech podcast before West Ham’s relegation was confirmed, he said going down would not be a reason to leave the club and that he would seek “every path” to help West Ham return to the Premier League as quickly as possible. Asked whether that could mean increasing his stake, he said: “We will see what is offered.”
Regulatory pressure meets football pressure
The ownership questions come as West Ham prepare for their first season outside the top flight since 2012. The club were relegated to the Championship last month after 14 years in the Premier League, a sporting blow that brings a major revenue hit and intensifies pressure on recruitment and player trading.
West Ham reported losses of £104.2m in their most recent accounts to 31 May 2025 and are forecast to lose another significant sum in the 2026 financial year. One possible route to balancing the books would be player sales, while BBC Sport reported recent speculation that Kretinsky could increase his stake as part of efforts to meet current Premier League financial rules before the 30 June reporting date.
Sullivan has historically been deeply involved in major club business, especially transfers. As recently as 3 June, he was giving the impression of being central to summer decisions, including the futures of sought-after players Mateus Fernandes and captain Jarrod Bowen, and the discussions that led to manager Nuno Espirito Santo remaining for next season.
Those decisions now sit within a wider leadership shake-up. Former vice-chair Karren Brady resigned in April, with one senior club source citing abuse from supporters as a factor. Executive director Tara Warren left in December and is now working for the IFR. Executive director Nathan Thompson left in April, and recruitment figures Kyle Macaulay and Max Hahn have also departed in recent months.
Safeguarding scrutiny
West Ham said it has clear and robust safeguarding measures in place and that, as standard practice, it cannot comment on or provide details about individual safeguarding matters. The club was the first Premier League club accredited by White Ribbon UK, a charity focused on ending male violence against women and girls.
White Ribbon said its accreditation is tied to organisations delivering a three-year improvement action plan and is not an endorsement of individuals connected to an organisation.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the allegations against Sullivan must be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated by the relevant authorities. The Metropolitan Police said any information or evidence provided to police would be assessed and appropriate enquiries carried out.
For West Ham, the immediate football calendar offers little pause. Interim chief executive Karim Virani, secretary Andrew Pincher and financial director Andy Mollett are among those expected to help manage the club through the turbulence, with Mollett due to retire in July and a recruitment process for his replacement under way.
Pre-season training is scheduled to begin on 6 July. West Ham’s first competitive fixture will be in the EFL Cup first round on 8-9 August, with the Championship season beginning the following week. By then, the club will hope to have clearer answers on its board structure, its summer squad plan and the regulator’s next steps.
Comments (0)