David Sullivan banned from West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 9:40 AM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, has been banned from contacting the club's women's and youth teams due to safeguarding concerns. The Football Association opened an investigation in 2023 following allegations about Sullivan's conduct. As a result, he has been restricted from attending matches and engaging with these teams for three years. Sullivan, who recently resigned as co-chair, denies wrongdoing and claims the allegations against him are false. The club and FA have stated they maintain robust safeguarding measures but cannot comment on specific cases.
- •Sullivan banned from West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023.
- •Investigation initiated by the Football Association due to safeguarding concerns.
- •Restrictions include attending matches and having contact with teams.
- •Sullivan resigned as co-chair amid recent allegations but remains the largest shareholder.
- •Eight women have made disclosures to police about Sullivan's conduct.
- 1:49 PMThe Guardian Sport — West Ham women’s team not told of David Sullivan’s restricted access to them
- 9:40 AMThe Guardian Sport — David Sullivan’s contact with West Ham women’s and youth teams restricted since 2023
- 5:53 PMBBC Sport — Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023
"Sources say it would have breached regulations to tell WSL or team details of safeguarding investigation into Sullivan Neither the Women’s Super League nor West Ham United women’s team were aware of the restrictions placed on David Sullivan interaction with the team, the Guardian has learned. Sullivan, who is West Ham’s largest shareholder, has faced restrictions on his contact with the women’s team and their youth teams since 2023 because of a safeguarding investigation. The Football Association opened an inquiry in the same year after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands was an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football. In a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times, seven women accused the 77-year-old of predatory behaviour, with alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s. Through his lawyers, Sullivan has said he denies the allegations. Sources close to the playing squad at West Ham’s women’s side have said the team are appalled by the allegations, which they were not aware of before the story broke this week. Continue reading...
"‘Temporary agreement’ in place since Football Association safeguarding investigation began three years ago David Sullivan has faced restrictions on his contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams since 2023 because of a safeguarding investigation. The Football Association began an inquiry three years ago after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands involves an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football. Continue reading...
"The decision followed a safeguarding investigation opened by the the Football Association.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJun 11, 2026, 1:49 PMWest Ham women’s team not told of David Sullivan’s restricted access to them
Sources say it would have breached regulations to tell WSL or team details of safeguarding investigation into Sullivan Neither the Women’s Super League nor West Ham United women’s team were aware of the restrictions placed on David Sullivan interaction with the team, the Guardian has learned. Sullivan, who is West Ham’s largest shareholder, has faced restrictions on his contact with the women’s team and their youth teams since 2023 because of a safeguarding investigation. The Football Association opened an inquiry in the same year after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands was an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football. In a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times, seven women accused the 77-year-old of predatory behaviour, with alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s. Through his lawyers, Sullivan has said he denies the allegations. Sources close to the playing squad at West Ham’s women’s side have said the team are appalled by the allegations, which they were not aware of before the story broke this week. Continue reading...
- The Guardian SportJun 10, 2026, 9:40 AMDavid Sullivan’s contact with West Ham women’s and youth teams restricted since 2023
‘Temporary agreement’ in place since Football Association safeguarding investigation began three years ago David Sullivan has faced restrictions on his contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams since 2023 because of a safeguarding investigation. The Football Association began an inquiry three years ago after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands involves an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football. Continue reading...
- BBC SportJun 9, 2026, 5:53 PMSullivan banned from contact with West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023
The decision followed a safeguarding investigation opened by the the Football Association.
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