Football regulator contacts West Ham over 'serious allegations' against Sullivan

Warning: this story includes descriptions of alleged sexual misconduct and explicit language

The Independent Football Regulator has contacted West Ham over "extremely serious allegations" raised about the club's co-owner David Sullivan and said it is seeking "urgent information" from him about his suitability for the role.

Multiple women have accused the billionaire of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, in some cases when they were in their late teens.

Sullivan has "categorically" denied the claims, uncovered by BBC Panorama and the Times.

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".

The allegations span decades when Sullivan made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football.

All come from women who were in their late teens or early twenties and were young models seeking work at Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers.

The IFR was created in July 2025 with the aim of protecting and promoting the financial soundness of football clubs and safeguarding the heritage of football. It has powers to take action against "unsuitable owners and directors", which it says enables it to act when clubs are in "crisis".

The regulator is expected to use its statutory powers to determine whether there are grounds for concern regarding Sullivan's role in the club. If it does come into possession of such material, it may open an investigation into the West Ham co-owner's suitability.

Factors the IFR may consider when assessing a person's suitability include whether they have the requisite honesty and integrity.

A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: "These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need.

"The government stands strongly against any form of harassment or abuse of power in the workplace and is working across industries to stamp it out and build an environment where people feel safe and able to challenge inappropriate chamber."

One woman, Florence (not her real name), said she felt forced to have sex with Sullivan in 1999 when she went to his Essex mansion for a business meeting

Sullivan looked at her modelling portfolio, she said, and then asked her to strip down to her underwear, which she did.

"I'll give you a little bit of work because you've taken the trouble," she recalled him saying. But she said he then told her in crude language t