David Sullivan, 77, co-owner of West Ham United, has been accused by seven women of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior dating back to the 1980s and 1990s [1, 2]. The women, mostly in their late teens or early twenties at the time, were young models seeking work at Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers [1, 3, 2]. They allege Sullivan pressured them for sex during business meetings and offered career advancement in exchange [1, 2].

Sullivan has denied all allegations, saying, "I categorically deny all of these complaints." He added, "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me" [2].

Sullivan also admitted to paying for sex in the 1990s with a girl he believed was 16 or 17 years old, though it only became illegal to pay for sex with 16 or 17 year olds in 2003 [1].

He resigned as West Ham joint chairman on June 6, days before the allegations were publicly revealed in a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times published on August 31 [1, 3, 2]. Sullivan remains West Ham's largest shareholder, owning 38.8% of the club [2].

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR), responsible for overseeing club owners, said it is in contact with West Ham and seeking urgent information from Sullivan about his suitability under the owners, directors and senior executives regime. An IFR spokesperson described the allegations as "extremely serious" and said they will consider statutory powers that could force Sullivan to sell his stake if found unsuitable [2].

The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport called the allegations "deeply concerning" and said they must be thoroughly investigated by relevant authorities with support for victims [3].

The timeline of events begins with alleged misconduct from the 1980s through the 1990s, Sullivan’s resignation on June 6, and the public report by BBC Panorama and The Times on August 31 [1, 2]. The investigation into Sullivan’s conduct and his role at West Ham is ongoing.