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Regulator could force sale of Sullivan's West Ham stake

David Sullivan could be forced to sell his stake in West Ham United by the football regulator, following allegations that he abused his power to prey on women for sex.

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said it was in contact with the club after The Times and BBC Panorama revealed claims about Sullivan’s behaviour from seven women.  It said it was seeking “urgent information” from Sullivan after the 77-year-old was accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour dating back to the 1980s. Sullivan categorically denies the claims.

England’s new football regulator could make Sullivan sell his stake in West Ham, where he remains the largest shareholder with 38.8 per cent of the club, despite resigning as co-chair on Saturday.

The IFR, introduced under last year’s Football Governance Act, is an independent watchdog and oversees its owners, directors and senior executives regime for clubs across the Premier League and English Football League.

It has the power to expel any figures it considers unsuitable, and “honesty and integrity” assessments of owners are part of its remit.

After The Times and Panorama investigation, an IFR spokesperson said: “These are extremely serious allegations.  We are in contact with West Ham on this matter and will use our statutory powers to seek urgent information from David Sullivan relating to his suitability under our owners, directors and senior executives regime. We are unable to comment further at this stage.”

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