London Stadium release statement as David Sullivan told to stay away from West Ham home games

David Sullivan has been told not to attend matches at West Ham United’s London Stadium.

The Hammers’ ground has recommended to the club that their former chairman stays away from home fixtures this season.

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It comes after an internal investigation deemed there is not an ongoing safeguarding risk associated with Sullivan attending matches.

The 77-year-old stood down as chairman in June ahead of the release of an investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama.

Sullivan was accused of historic allegations of sexually-exploitative behaviour.

He categorically denied the claims made against him in the investigation, which saw seven women come forward.

They accused the former adult industry kingpin of abusing his power and sexually-exploitative behaviour.

Sullivan subsequently vowed to fight the allegations after stepping down from the role which he had held since 2010.

It later emerged Sullivan had been banned from contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams since 2023.

His suspension from doing so came after allegations and a safeguarding investigation, with Sullivan unable to attend matches involving either side.

The businessman bought a 50 per cent stake in the club alongside David Gold 16 years ago and currently holds a 38.8 per cent share.

However, there is an ongoing tussle for shares in the club between Amanda Staveley and current co-owner Daniel Kretinsky.

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The Czech billionaire is attempting to stop Staveley from purchasing the Gold family’s 25.1 per cent stake in a £150million deal.

London Stadium statement

Ahead of the Hammers’ first home match of the season this weekend, the London Stadium have confirmed Sullivan has been told not to attend.

In a statement, they said: “Following media reports at the end of the season regarding a safeguarding matter being managed by the club, London Stadium sought further information to ensure it could fulfil its own safeguarding responsibilities.

“Based on the information provided by the club, we understand the matter was investigated and that the club does not consider there to be an ongoing safeguarding risk associated with Mr Sullivan attending the stadium.

“However, given the potential for demonstrations and anti-social behaviour by some spectators, we have recommended to the club that he does not attend.

“We have also requested advance notice of any planned attendance so that appropriate safety and operational measures can be put in place.”

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Nuno Espirito Santo’s side host Portsmouth in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The two sides meet at the London Stadium on Saturday at 3pm, live on talkSPORT 2.

West Ham will then begin their Championship campaign away to Burnley on Sunday, August 16.

Their first home league fixture sees Charlton Athletic visit for a London derby six days later on Saturday, August 22.