David Sullivan has defied advice to stay away from the London Stadium by attending West Ham’s Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth.
The 77-year-old stepped down from his position as club chairman in June ahead of the release of a joint investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama accusing him of sexually-exploitative behaviour.
Sullivan categorically denied the claims made against him in the investigation, which saw seven women come forward.
Despite stepping down from his role as chairman, the former adult industry kingpin remains West Ham’s largest shareholder.
However, the London Stadium confirmed earlier this week that it had ‘recommended’ that Sullivan stay away from home fixtures this season.
This followed an internal investigation which deemed there was not an ongoing safeguarding risk associated with him attending matches.
The club asked for advance notice of any planned visits by Sullivan – who retains a 38.8 per cent stake in the Irons – in order to implement additional safety and operational measures.
Staying put
West Ham’s Carabao Cup clash with Portsmouth on Saturday saw them kick off their first competitive game of the season.
And Sullivan appeared to ignore advice from the London Stadium, as he was spotted in the stands for the Hammers’ 2026/27 opener in east London.
However, there did not appear to be any problems inside the stadium before and shortly after kick-off.
This marks the first competitive fixture the Hammers have played since the allegations against him were first reported.
It also saw the club begin their campaign following relegation from the Premier League to the Championship last season.
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As well as being advised to stay away from the London Stadium, the investigation into Sullivan also revealed he had been banned by the FA from having contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams since 2023.
His suspension from doing so came after allegations and a safeguarding investigation, and meant he was unable to attend matches involving either side.
Changing landscape
Sullivan bought a 50 per cent stake in West Ham alongside David Gold 16 years ago and currently holds a 38.8 per cent share.
While he currently remains the club’s largest single shareholder, a change in boardroom at the London Stadium looks increasingly likely.
There is an ongoing tussle for shares in the Hammers between a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and current second-largest shareholder Daniel Kretinsky.
The Czech billionaire is attempting to stop Staveley from purchasing the Gold family’s 25.1 per cent stake in a £150million deal.
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While West Ham continue to navigate a summer of upheaval on and off the pitch, they focused on the task in hand against Portsmouth.
After falling behind to Adrian Segecic’s deflected effort in the first half, the east Londoners fought back to turn the game on its head.
After Taty Castellanos’ equaliser, captain Jarrod Bowen then fired the Hammers in front on the stroke of half-time.
This was Bowen’s first goal since penning a new deal to stay at the club for the upcoming season, and West Ham’s lead was soon doubled as Castellanos grabbed another on 50 minutes.
West Ham will then begin their Championship campaign away to Burnley on Sunday, August 16.
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FRIDAY 14th AUGUST
- Wolves v Blackburn – 8pm (talkSPORT)
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST
- Bolton v Preston – 12.30pm (talkSPORT)
- Around the Grounds with Adrian Durham – 2.30pm (talkSPORT)
- Middlesbrough v Lincoln – 3pm (talkSPORT 2)
- Sheffield United v Birmingham – 5.30pm (talkSPORT 2)
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- Watford v Southampton – 1.30pm (talkSPORT 2)
- Burnley v West Ham – 4pm (talkSPORT 2)
MONDAY 17th AUGUST
- Cardiff v Wrexham – 8pm (talkSPORT 2)
