David Sullivan, co-owner of football club «West Ham United», has been advised to refrain from attending the team’s home matches at «London Stadium».
An official representative of the sports complex informed BBC News that this recommendation is due to serious concerns regarding potential protests and unrest from fans. The stadium administration requested that the club provide advance notice of any planned visits by the billionaire to implement additional security measures.
However, West Ham's hierarchy has informed the venue operators that Sullivan is likely to ignore this advice and intends to be present in the stands.
A joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times has revealed allegations from seven women against Sullivan regarding inappropriate and predatory behaviour. Sullivan has categorically denied all accusations. Shortly before the publication of the material, he stepped down as co-chairman of the club to focus on defending his reputation, while remaining the largest shareholder of West Ham.
BBC Panorama journalists Billy Kenber, Hannah Price, and Sophie Smith revealed further details surrounding the club's hierarchy.
Additionally, the investigation found that the Football Association of England imposed a three-year ban on Sullivan in 2023 from any contact with the women’s and youth teams of «West Ham» for safety reasons. The management of «London Stadium» was unaware of these restrictions until the journalists' reports were published.
West Ham United, relegated from the Premier League last season, will play their first home match of the new season in the EFL Cup against «Portsmouth» this coming Saturday.
In light of the scandal, radio host Tony Livesey announced his departure from BBC Radio 5 Live after 16 years. Previously, he served as the editor of publications owned by Sullivan, Daily and Sunday Sport; one of the victims stated that Livesey arranged her meeting with the businessman in 1999. The host claimed he does not recall such an incident, expressed sympathy for the victims, and firmly rejected any involvement in illegal activities.
