Football regulator seeks answers over ex-Birmingham City owner David Sullivan following serious allegations

The football regulator has contacted West Ham United after serious allegations were made against former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan, raising fresh scrutiny of one of the most influential figures in the Blues' recent history.

Sullivan, 77, who sold Birmingham City in 2009 before completing a takeover of West Ham United the following year alongside his late business partner David Gold, recently stepped down as chairman of the London club to contest what he describes as "false allegations" about his conduct.

The move follows reports published by the BBC and The Times in which seven women alleged that Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour during the 1980s and 1990s. The allegations relate to the period when he owned the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers.

Sullivan has categorically denied all allegations.

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) confirmed it is seeking urgent information from Sullivan as part of its assessment of his suitability as a football club owner.

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."

The claims centre on allegations that Sullivan pressured young and aspiring models, many in their late teens or early twenties. According to The Times, the newspaper's investigation lasted two years and involved interviews with dozens of former models and industry figures.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport described the allegations as "deeply concerning" and said they should be treated with the utmost seriousness.

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is investigating a report concerning the alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex during the 1980s. Detectives from the force's specialist rape and serious sexual offences unit are leading the inquiry.

Sullivan announced his resignation as West Ham chairman over the weekend, saying media coverage had sensationalised the allegations.

"The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media," he said. "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me.

"I categorically deny these claims."

For Birmingham City supporters, Sullivan remains a significant figure in the club's modern history. Alongside Gold, he took control of the Blues in 1993 and oversaw a period that included promotion to the Premier League, a League Cup final appearance and the redevelopment of St Andrew's.

The pair sold Birmingham City before purchasing West Ham in 2010, taking then-managing director Karren Brady with them to east London as vice-chair.

Sullivan and Gold's departure from Birmingham marked the end of a 16-year ownership era that divided opinion among supporters but helped establish the club in the Premier League for extended periods.

The Football Association has been approached for comment. Both West Ham United and Birmingham City declined to comment on the allegations.

The allegations against Sullivan have not been tested in court, and he continues to deny all claims made against him.