David Sullivan has been banned from women and academy matches at West Ham United since 2023, it emerges, amid historic allegations and FA investigation

David Sullivan has been banned from contact with West Ham’s women’s and academy teams since 2023, over safeguarding concerns.

The 77-year-old Hammers owner was investigated by the FA after officials were made aware of historical allegations against him.

Sullivan stood down from his role as co-chair of the club ahead of the reporting of allegations he denies that he had preyed on women for sex.

The FA investigation is understood to remain active. According to The Times, which first reported the story, a safeguarding group including the club, FA and local authority decided to prevent Sullivan from having access to his own club’s youth and women’s teams.

Sullivan, who retains a 38.8 per cent stake in the club, has been accused of an abuse of power in which he used his position as owner of the Daily and Sunday Sport to prey on young women for sex.

Yesterday, Daily Mail Sport reported how Sullivan could be forced to sell his stake in West Ham. The Independent Football Regulator, which has the power to remove owners it does not feel meets the requirements of its owners and directors test, is looking into the matter and has requested information.

The FA does not comment on individual cases. A spokesperson said: ‘We operate a robust safeguarding programme across every level of English football, and all referrals to us are handled in line with our rigorous and stringent policies and procedures.

‘We work closely with the police, who are one of the statutory agencies for safeguarding matters, and our processes are independently reviewed and verified by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit to ensure they meet the highest standard. We take all safeguarding allegations and concerns very seriously, and we investigate each case within our jurisdiction thoroughly.’

A West Ham spokesperson said: ‘West Ham United has clear and robust safeguarding measures in place, measures that are independently assessed and audited on an annual basis.

‘The club is unable to comment or provide details on any individual safeguarding matter as per standard practice in the industry.’