David Sullivan has announced his resignation as joint-chair and director of West Ham United with immediate effect, vowing to fight what he describes as false allegations about his personal life.
Sullivan steps down to tackle 'false allegations'
The 75-year-old, who has been involved with the club for over 30 years, published a statement on the club's website on Saturday. He said he was stepping down to avoid becoming a distraction for the recently relegated Premier League side.
'None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life,' Sullivan said. 'I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.'
Claims described as 'decades-old' and 'false'
Sullivan and his legal team published the statement 'for the benefit of transparency'. He said he had become aware that 'factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.'
The businessman, who built his fortune in the adult industry, acknowledged that after meeting thousands of women, a small number of improper conduct claims had been made. He categorically denied these claims and criticised the media for sensationalising them.
'I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication,' he said. 'I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality.'
Legal action planned against BBC and others
Sullivan announced he would be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats the allegations. He said he had engaged a legal team and was preparing to issue proceedings against each false complaint.
'I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations,' he said. 'I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.'
West Ham's relegation and future
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season, finishing 18th. Sullivan expressed confidence in the board and interim CEO Karim Virani to take the club forward.
'West Ham United will always remain close to my heart,' he said. 'I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.'
Sullivan said he would not make further public comment at this stage but reserved all legal rights in relation to any false or defamatory allegations.
