David Sullivan has been a West Ham fan since his family moved to Essex when he was a child. West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down from his position as joint chairman of the club with immediate effect following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper into his behaviour.

The BBC said Panorama's story is due to be broadcast and published on Monday. The Hammers said they had "been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations" concerning Sullivan.

In a statement of his own, the 77-year-old said a "small number of improper conduct claims" have been made against him, adding: "I categorically deny these claims." He said the "decades-old allegations concerning my personal life" are "factually incorrect and entirely false".

Sullivan, who had held the role for 16 years, said he stepped down "to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations". Sullivan also said he plans to sue the BBC for libel "along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations".

The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season after finishing 18th. "At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability," added Sullivan, who has also resigned as a director.

"Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign." In a club statement, West Ham said Sullivan has denied any "illegal conduct" and is leaving "in order to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately".

Sullivan has been the club'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.

"It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations," said West Ham. "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.

"The club 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 and Gold had previously been co-owners of Birmingham City from 1993 to 2009. They oversaw West Ham's move from Upton Park to London Stadium in 2016 and their Conference League win in 2023 - the Hammers' first major trophy since the 1980 FA Cup.

The club's best Premier League finish during their tenure was sixth in 2021, but the Hammers have finished in the bottom half in three of the past four seasons and their 14-year spell in the top flight came to an end last month. West Ham fans have held protests on numerous occasions during the 2025-26 season, calling for Sullivan and Baroness Brady to step down. Brady left her role as vice-chair on 15 April.

Fans' fury as West Ham on brink of drop - how have they got here? Latest West Ham news, analysis and fan views Ask about West Ham - what do you want to know?