West Ham United have undergone significant changes during 2026 following relegation from the Premier League and disruption within the club’s hierarchy.
David Sullivan resigned as West Ham’s co-chairman and director in June, although the 77-year-old continues to own 38.8 per cent of the club.
His departure followed serious historical sexual misconduct allegations featured in a BBC Panorama documentary titled “Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss.”
Seven women, six anonymously, accused Sullivan of abuses of power involving young models seeking work at his Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers.
Sullivan has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as ‘entirely false’ and criticising the BBC’s reporting as sensationalised and unfair.
The dispute has now escalated significantly, with Sullivan taking formal legal action against the broadcaster nearly three months after the documentary aired.
According to The Telegraph, Sullivan is suing the BBC for £150 million in the High Court for ‘libel and malicious falsehood.
Legal documents reportedly claim the programme caused ‘grave, catastrophic, and irreparable harm’ to Sullivan’s personal, professional and business reputation.
His claim also alleges commercial damage, banking disruption, cancelled transactions, frozen credit lines and severed business relationships following the broadcast.
The documents further accuse the BBC of demonstrating a ‘reckless indifference to the truth’ when producing and broadcasting its investigation.
Before Panorama aired, Sullivan announced his West Ham resignation and confirmed his intention to challenge the allegations through legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, West Ham have started life strongly in the Championship despite the boardroom disruption, collecting 15 points from their opening eight matches.
The Hammers currently sit second as Nuno Espirito Santo’s rebuilt squad targets an immediate return to the Premier League.
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