The UK’s Independent Football Regulator has approached the police as it investigates whether West Ham United’s largest shareholder, David Sullivan, is still fit to retain his stake in the club amid sexual assault allegations against him.
Sullivan, 77, owns about 38.8 per cent of West Ham and is currently the club’s biggest shareholder. The IFR has reportedly requested information from law enforcement bodies as part of its review of his suitability.
The Premier League has also handed the matter over to the regulator.
The development follows a joint investigation by Panorama and The Times in June, which featured allegations from seven female models who accused Sullivan of sexually assaulting them during the 1980s and 1990s.
Sullivan has denied the accusations, describing them as “completely false.”
He resigned as West Ham’s co-chairman before the allegations emerged publicly and has since been dealing with investigations concerning the claims.
The Football Association had earlier imposed restrictions on Sullivan’s dealings with West Ham’s women’s team and academy players following previous complaints. The restrictions prevent him from having private meetings or direct contact with players.
The FA has also commenced a separate investigation under its updated Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
The IFR said its assessment of Sullivan’s position as a shareholder was approaching its conclusion and confirmed that it was liaising with law enforcement and other regulatory authorities.
An IFR spokesperson said: “The IFR’s investigation into Sullivan’s suitability to remain a shareholder has entered its final stages, and we are in contact with the relevant authorities.”
The issue has also attracted the attention of the British government, with the Prime Minister’s spokesperson and Culture Secretary expressing concern over the allegations and stressing the seriousness of the claims.
Essex Police said it had received fresh information relating to the matter and was carrying out inquiries, while the Metropolitan Police is looking into historical allegations involving indecent images and sexual exploitation dating from the 1980s.
Although Sullivan has previously faced other allegations relating to his past, those matters did not lead to further legal proceedings.
The investigations into the current allegations are continuing, with the IFR’s final decision potentially determining whether Sullivan can retain his ownership interest in West Ham.