West Ham United’s shirt sponsor Boyle Sports has publicly declared it is “extremely concerned” by the serious nature of allegations made against majority owner David Sullivan.
The bookmaker’s intervention came after reports by the BBC and The Times focused on claims that Sullivan had exploited his position as a publisher to pressure young women into sexual activity.
Sullivan, 77, has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “factually incorrect and entirely false” and confirming he intends to pursue legal action.
“Boyle Sports is extremely concerned at the serious nature of the allegations levelled against David Sullivan,” a spokesperson for the bookmaker told The Athletic.
“It is our understanding that the Independent Football Regulator is reviewing this matter urgently and we wholeheartedly support their efforts in doing so.”
The Independent Football Regulator, which holds the power to force shareholders to sell their stakes if deemed unsuitable, has confirmed it is investigating the claims.
Boyle Sports served as West Ham’s principal shirt sponsor last season but has not confirmed whether it will renew its commercial arrangement with the club.
West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League is a relevant factor, as top-flight clubs will be barred from carrying betting brands as principal commercial partners from next season.
Sullivan stepped down as chairman last week after 16 years in the role, stating he did not want “personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.”
The claims reported by the BBC and The Times date back to the 1980s and relate specifically to Sullivan’s role as owner of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers.
West Ham have stated that none of the allegations made against Sullivan, who bought the club in 2010 alongside late business partner David Gold, relate to the club or its operations.
The controversy has raised questions over West Ham’s future ownership structure, as Sullivan and second-largest shareholder, Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, had been set to increase their respective stakes.
The situation compounds an already turbulent period for the East London club, with relegation adding to the departure of several senior figures including vice-chair Karren Brady.