David Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women’s and youth teams since 2023

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has been banned from having contact with the club’s women’s and youth teams for the past three years because of safeguarding concerns, the BBC has learned.

The Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after receiving allegations about the conduct of Sullivan, who was then the club’s co-chair and remains a co-owner of West Ham United. Following that process, a safeguarding group made up of the club, the FA and the local authority decided to prevent Sullivan from having access to West Ham’s women’s and youth teams.

Safeguarding investigation began in 2023

The BBC understands the restriction has been in place since 2023. The FA’s investigation was triggered after allegations were made about Sullivan’s conduct, leading to the safeguarding measures being introduced.

West Ham, the FA and the local authority were all involved in the safeguarding group that agreed the ban on contact with the women’s and youth sides. The decision was taken as part of the response to the concerns raised during the investigation.

What the BBC has learned

The BBC has reported that Sullivan has been unable to have access to the club’s women and youth teams since the safeguarding action was put in place. The matter relates specifically to those parts of the club, rather than to West Ham as a whole.

The BBC also said it is seeking information relevant to its investigation and invited anyone with relevant details to get in touch at [email protected]. It added that support is available through BBC Action Line for anyone affected by issues in the story.

West Ham United has not been quoted in the information provided, and the BBC’s reporting centres on the safeguarding process and the restrictions placed on Sullivan following the allegations.