David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham, has resigned as co-chair and director with immediate effect, the club said in a statement.
The 77-year-old, who built his fortune in the adult industry, said he had recently learned that decades-old allegations about his private life were set to be aired and published. He described them as factually inaccurate and totally false, and did not specify their nature.
He said it was unfortunately inevitable that, after a life spent building adult-sector businesses and meeting thousands of women, a small number of claims of inappropriate conduct would be made. He categorically denied the accusations.
He added that he was stepping down to devote all his energy and attention to fighting what he considers to be false allegations.
Sullivan and business partner David Gold, who died in January 2023, took control of West Ham United in January 2010. One of their most unpopular decisions was the 2016 move from Upton Park to London’s former Olympic Stadium.