David Sullivan, a senior figure at West Ham United, has been restricted from having contact with the club’s women’s team and youth teams since 2023, following a safeguarding investigation launched by the Football Association (FA). Multiple outlets report that the restrictions stem from an FA inquiry that began after the FA received a complaint involving alleged sexual misconduct that is described as not related to football. According to the reports, the arrangement limits Sullivan’s access to women’s and youth activities, including being banned from attending women’s and academy matches. Sullivan has stood down from his role as co-chair during the period covered by the reports. The Independent and other sources state that Sullivan denies allegations that he engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. Separate reporting referenced by the Guardian describes multiple historical allegations dating back decades. The Guardian also reports that West Ham’s women’s team, and the Women’s Super League, were not informed of the restrictions at the time, citing that sharing details could have breached safeguarding regulations. The BBC states the restrictions follow the FA safeguarding investigation. The reports present a consistent account of the restrictions and their safeguarding basis, while disputing the underlying allegations.