Former West Ham director Tara Warren will not participate in the Independent Football Regulator's investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against David Sullivan, due to a conflict of interest arising from her previous roles at the club.
Background of the case
Sullivan, 77, resigned as director and co-chair of West Ham last Saturday, prior to the publication of a joint investigation in which seven women accused him of abusing his power and preying on them for sex. The allegations date back to the 1980s and 1990s. Despite his resignation, Sullivan remains the club's largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake.
The Independent Football Regulator has described the allegations as “extremely serious” and has statutory powers to force a club owner to divest shares if deemed unsuitable. The IFR is currently seeking clarity on the situation before launching a formal investigation.
Safeguarding measures already in place
Sullivan has faced restrictions on contact with West Ham's women and youth teams since 2023, following a safeguarding investigation by the Football Association. He has described the restriction as “meaningless and did not amount to a ban,” claiming he accepted it “for a quiet life.”
West Ham issued a statement confirming that the measures followed the club's safeguarding policy, as agreed with the FA and local authority. The club added that “only a very limited number of West Ham United employees were informed of these measures.” The Guardian reported this week that the women's team were now aware of the restrictions.
Tara Warren's recusal
Warren, who left West Ham last December, joined the club as marketing director in 2009 and became executive director in 2014. She was appointed as a director of the women's team in February 2023. She was a close ally of Karren Brady, who stepped down as West Ham's vice-chair in April.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy appointed Warren as one of five non-executive directors of the IFR in February. The Guardian questioned the IFR and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about a potential conflict of interest. An IFR spokesperson stated: “The IFR has robust policies and processes in place to ensure any interests that may conflict with the responsibilities of board members are known and managed accordingly. Where a board member does have a conflict or perceived conflict of interest, they will be recused from any decision making role relating to the matter.”
Warren denies being aware of the allegations against Sullivan prior to their publication. Through his lawyers, Sullivan has denied all allegations.
Potential sale of Sullivan's stake
Sullivan is believed to be open to selling his stake. Daniel Křetínský, West Ham's second largest shareholder, is interested in taking a majority stake. The Czech billionaire could achieve this by purchasing the Gold family's 25% stake.
