West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down as joint chairman and director with immediate effect after the club said it was made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations. Sullivan denies illegal conduct and says he is leaving to
David Sullivan stepped back from West Ham’s board with immediate effect, and the timing landed heavy on the club at a moment when it already has plenty to manage.
In a statement from the club, West Ham said it had been made aware of the impending publication of “serious historic allegations.” Sullivan has denied any “illegal conduct,” and the Hammers say he is leaving “in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately.”
The chairmanship shift matters beyond titles. Sullivan has been West Ham’s largest single shareholder since the death of his business partner David Gold in January 2023. which left him with a 38.8% stake. Sullivan and Gold became joint chairmen of West Ham when they completed their takeover of the club in January 2010.
West Ham also moved quickly to narrow where the allegations fit. The club said it is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations. Interim chief executive officer Karim Virani. reporting into the current board of directors. will continue to be responsible for leading the club’s day-to-day operations.
West Ham added that it will provide an update on the future structure of the board of directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.
Sullivan’s departure comes after a difficult sporting year for the club. The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season after finishing 18th.
Taken together. the picture is stark: a co-chairman and director exits the club immediately ahead of serious allegations. while the board keeps daily operations moving under Karim Virani. What happens next—who takes over. and how the allegations are handled—will determine how much disruption Sullivan hoped to prevent.
West Ham David Sullivan co-chairman stepped down allegations Karim Virani relegated Premier League board of directors