West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, 77, plans to attend the club's first home game of the season, despite advice from stadium operators and the fan advisory board to stay away. Sullivan, who is accused of multiple counts of sexual misconduct, believes he is being "bullied" into missing the match.
Seven women have accused Sullivan of predatory behavior, which he has strongly denied, calling the allegations "factually incorrect and entirely false." The accusations surfaced ahead of a BBC Panorama and Times investigation aired in June. Sullivan resigned as co-chair in June, prior to the investigation's broadcast.
The operators of the London Stadium recommended that Sullivan not attend the Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth, citing concerns over potential fan unrest. The club's fan advisory board stated his presence would cause "offence and upset."
Sources close to Sullivan indicated that he feels pressured by "keyboard warriors" to stay away. They also suggested his desire to attend stems from concerns about the team's performance and lack of transfer activity entering their first season in the Championship in 14 years. Sullivan is understood not to have made a final decision regarding his attendance.
Fans have previously protested Sullivan's ownership at matches, with actions including marches, boycotts, and displays of red cards. The Panorama investigation also revealed that Sullivan has been banned from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams for the past three years.
London Stadium's operator has requested to be informed of any planned visits by Sullivan to implement safety measures. West Ham has reportedly informed the operator that they do not perceive an ongoing safeguarding risk associated with Sullivan attending the stadium.
Recent developments regarding club ownership include an agreement for Vanessa Gold, daughter of former co-owner David, to sell part of her stake to fellow shareholder Daniel Kretinsky. However, a subsequent announcement confirmed Gold accepted a new offer from a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, former Newcastle co-owner, for her shares. This deal, valuing the club at approximately £600 million, would still leave Sullivan as the leading stakeholder. Staveley has reportedly also made an offer to Sullivan, who is believed to be open to selling his stake but values it higher.