‘Temporary agreement’ in place since Football Association safeguarding investigation began three years ago

David Sullivan has faced restrictions on his contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams since 2023 because of a safeguarding investigation.

The Football Association began an inquiry three years ago after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands involves an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football.

Former victims’ commissioner says publication ‘deliberately came as close as possible to breaking the law’

David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers used sexualised images of underage girls as “bait for predatory men”, the former victims’ commissioner has said.

Vera Baird spoke amid scrutiny of the newspapers’ ’Countdown to 16’ feature, where during Sullivan’s tenure as owner, models were pictured in lingerie and bikinis in the weeks before their 16th birthdays, until they could legally be shown topless.

Former pornographer, who owns 38.8% of club, has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour

The football regulator could force David Sullivan to sell his stake in West Ham United after the former pornography billionaire was accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against women over several decades.

The 77-year-old announced his resignation as a director and co-chair of the football club on Saturday, ahead of a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times reporting on seven women accusing him of sexual misconduct.