FA asked for “urgent explanation” over David Sullivan’s 2023 ban from West Ham youth and women’s teams
The FA has been asked for an “urgent explanation” after it emerged David Sullivan was banned from having access to the West Ham youth and women’s teams in 2023.
Businessman and West Ham co-owner, David Sullivan, was banned from having contact with the club’s women’s and youth teams three years ago, it has emerged, and now the FA are being asked for an “urgent explanation”. It comes as the BBC and The Times reported that the Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after receiving allegations about Mr Sullivan’s conduct.
A safeguarding group involving West Ham, the FA and the local authority subsequently prevented Mr Sullivan from having access to and attending the matches of his own club’s youth and women’s teams, it was reported.
On Monday, the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has now said the FA must explain “why no further action was taken” following the investigation.
Ms Nandy said in a statement on Tuesday (June 9): “These latest revelations are utterly horrifying. If it is the case that an investigation concluded that there were sufficiently serious allegations to warrant a ban on contact with the youth and women’s teams, then the FA must explain this decision and why no further action was taken.
“I expect a full and urgent explanation from the FA and West Ham as to how these incredibly serious allegations have been handled.”
The FA said it was unable to comment on individual safeguarding cases, but that it took all allegations “very seriously” and worked closely with police. A spokesperson said: “We operate a robust safeguarding programme across every level of English football, and all referrals to us are handled in line with our rigorous and stringent policies and procedures.
“Appropriate action is always taken against individuals who pose or may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football. This includes issuing appropriate suspensions in accordance with our safeguarding regulations. The aim of our process is to safeguard children and adults at risk.”
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said that it is in contact with the football club seeking information about Mr Sullivan’s suitability as a co-owner.
Mr Sullivan made his millions from the pornography industry throughout the 1970s. In 1982, he was convicted of living off immoral earnings and served 71 days in prison before successfully appealing.
The accusations now being made against the billionaire date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport. According to the reporting, the claims about Mr Sullivan involve him pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early 20s.
In a statement announcing he was stepping down as chairman of West Ham at the weekend, Mr 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.”
Mr Sullivan and business partner David Gold completed their takeover of West Ham in 2010 after selling Birmingham City, and brought Karren Brady with them as vice-chairman. Their tenure oversaw the move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016.
Mr Gold died in 2023, aged 86, while Baroness Brady left her role before the end of a season that ended in relegation from the Premier League.
Mr Sullivan’s net worth was estimated to be around £1.2 billion in 2024, according to The Times Rich List.
West Ham FC have been contacted for comment.