Several UK media outlets report allegations that David Sullivan, a former co-owner and major shareholder of West Ham United, sexually coerced and abused his position to obtain sex. The claims were published as part of reporting by BBC Panorama and were also reported by The Times, and they include accusations that Sullivan told women they needed to have sex with him to feature in his newspapers. Additional outlets summarise that multiple women, described in some reports as numbering seven, make similar allegations. Some accounts state the alleged conduct involved women while they were teenagers. Sullivan denies the allegations and disputes the substance of the claims.
Separate reporting says the Independent Football Regulator has been in contact with relevant officials and is seeking urgent information following the allegations and related documentary coverage. The Independent’s background piece focuses on who Sullivan is and notes that he denies abusing his power. Coverage across outlets frames the allegations as serious but contested, with Sullivan continuing to deny wrongdoing while authorities gather information.
