Sullivan Attends West Ham Match Amid Controversy
Former Co-Chair Present at Carabao Cup Tie Despite Safeguarding Concerns and Advice Against Attendance

Image: Eddie Pollard / AI

Carla Rooney
David Sullivan attended West Ham's Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth at the London Stadium.
Seven women have accused Sullivan, prompting a BBC Panorama and Times investigation. Sullivan has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life.”
factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life.
These allegations reportedly led to a three-year ban from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams due to safeguarding concerns. West Ham stated they do not consider there to be an ongoing safeguarding risk associated with Sullivan attending the stadium.
However, London Stadium operators reportedly advised against his attendance, citing fears of potential fan unrest. The stadium operator had asked for prior notification of any planned visits for safety measures.
Sullivan, who maintains a 38.8% stake in West Ham, reportedly believes he is being 'bullied' into missing the clash by 'keyboard warriors'. Sources close to Sullivan indicate he felt compelled to watch the first game of the season due to concerns about the team's state and a perceived lack of transfer activity.
He has also reportedly received numerous messages from fans urging his attendance. The match itself saw West Ham in the opening round of the EFL Cup for the first time in 15 years.
Adrian Segecic scored for Portsmouth. Mohamadou Kanté assisted Taty Castellanos for West Ham's equalizer, and Jarrod Bowen scored the team's second goal.
Sullivan is understood to be open to selling his stake in the club. He reportedly values it at much more than the offer made by Amanda Staveley, who led a consortium that acquired part of Vanessa Gold's stake.
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