David Sullivan has stepped down as West Ham United's co-chairman and director with immediate effect, the club announced on Friday. The decision comes after Sullivan was made aware of the impending publication of "serious historic allegations." He has denied any illegal conduct.

Sullivan, who has been the club's largest single shareholder since January 2023, stated his departure is intended to prevent disruption to West Ham while he addresses the matter privately. The club emphasized that the allegations are understood not to relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.

Sullivan and the late David Gold became joint chairmen of West Ham in January 2010, following their takeover of the club. Sullivan inherited a 38.8% stake after Gold's death. This transition marks a significant shift in the club's leadership structure.

In Sullivan's absence, interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue to lead the club's day-to-day operations, reporting to the board of directors. West Ham has indicated that an update on the future structure of the board will be provided in due course.

The club's recent on-field performance has been a source of fan discontent. West Ham was relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season, finishing 18th. This ended their 14-year spell in the top flight.

Fans had voiced their dissatisfaction throughout the 2025-26 season, with protests calling for the departures of Sullivan and Baroness Brady, who left her role as vice-chair on April 15. The club's best Premier League finish during Sullivan and Gold's tenure was sixth in 2021.

Prior to their involvement with West Ham, Sullivan and Gold were co-owners of Birmingham City from 1993 to 2009. At West Ham, they oversaw the club's relocation from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016 and the team's Conference League victory in 2023, their first major trophy since the 1980 FA Cup.

West Ham's Premier League status was a significant achievement for much of their ownership, but recent seasons have seen the team finish in the bottom half multiple times. The club has stated it will make no further comment on the matter at this time.