The Independent Football Regulator has confirmed it is “in contact” with West Ham and seeking “urgent information” from David Sullivan relating to his suitability as an owner.
Sullivan stood down as co-chair 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.”
BBC Panorama and the Times uncovered allegations from seven women that the billionaire abused his power and preyed on them for sex, in some cases when they were in their late teens.
Sullivan says he categorically denies the claims, but the fallout has plunged West Ham into a period of significant instability both on and off the pitch.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the “deeply concerning” allegations must be “treated with the utmost seriousness” and “investigated by the relevant authorities.”
Despite stepping down from his co-chair role, Sullivan remains the club’s largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake, and BBC Sport has been told his sons Jack and David Jr will not be taking a hands-on role at the club.
The next most significant shareholders are Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold, daughter of the late David Gold, who own 27% and 25.1% respectively.
Kretinsky’s influence at West Ham is now widely expected to grow, with speculation mounting that he could increase his stake to 40% to help meet Premier League financial rules by the 30 June reporting date.
The 50-year-old rarely gives interviews, but speaking to Czech podcast Vsechno zacina dnes before West Ham’s relegation was confirmed, he was unequivocal about his commitment to the club.
“It doesn’t relate to whether we are in the first or second tier,” Kretinsky said, adding that going down “is not a reason to leave the club.”
“If we were to be relegated, I would seek every path to make sure West Ham return as quickly as possible to the Premier League,” he added, with his comments translated by the BBC.
West Ham reported losses of £104.2m in their most recent accounts to 31 May 2025, with further significant losses forecast for the 2026 financial year, making player sales a likely necessity.
Numerous senior figures have departed the club in recent months, including vice-chair Karren Brady, executive directors Tara Warren and Nathan Thompson, and recruitment figures Kyle Macaulay and Max Hahn.
Karim Virani, appointed interim chief executive on 29 April following Brady’s exit, will now attempt to guide West Ham through what is an extraordinarily turbulent period for the club.
The prominent Hammers United fans group said “West Ham United supporters want a club that reflects the values of decency, integrity and accountability” in the wake of the Panorama broadcast.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains in place and will look to replicate his achievement at Wolves in 2018 by guiding the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Pre-season training is set to begin on 6 July, with the EFL Cup first round scheduled for 8-9 August and the Championship season beginning the week after that.
West Ham have not played outside the top flight since 2012, and the financial and reputational stakes of an extended stay in the second tier could scarcely be higher.
