West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has resigned from his role as joint-chairman after an investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper uncovered allegations of sexual abuse spanning decades. Seven women, most of whom were aspiring models in their late teens or early twenties seeking work at Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers, accuse him of pressuring them for sex in exchange for career advancement. Sullivan, 77, categorically denies the claims and has announced plans to sue the BBC for libel, calling the allegations 'factually incorrect and entirely false.'

Seven accusers, one common story: models seeking work at Sullivan's newspapers

The allegations, as reported by the BBC and The Times, come from seven women who were models at Sullivan's tabloid newspapers in the 1980s and 1990s. They describe a pattern of sexully exploitative and predatory behaviour during business meetings, where Sullivan would suggest that sleeping with him or performing oral sex could advance their careers. Only one accuser, Sacha Wall, has chosen to be named publicly; she claims that as a 24-year-old aspiring model, Sullivan pressured her into a sexual encounter by promising career help.

According to the investigation, the alleged abuse dates back to an era when Sullivan was building a fortune from pornography,newspapers, and football. In his resignation statement, Sullivan acknowledged that after a lifetime of meeting thousands of women in the adult industry, 'it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me.'

The 1990s admission: paying a teenager for sex

A separate element of the investigation reveals that Sullivan has admitted to paying for sex in the 1990s with a girl he understood to be 16 or 17 years old. At the time, Sullivan was in his 40s, and it was not yet illegal to pay for sex with a 16- or 17-year-old (the law changed in 2003). The BBC notes that Sullivan's admission was made separately from the wider allegations of abuse. Sullivan has denied any criminal wrongdoing, but the revelation adds a disturbing dimension to the timeline of his behaviour.

A resignation, a libel lawsuit, and a club in flux

Sullivan stepped down from his post at West Ham over the weekend after learning that the investigation would be published.. In his resignation statement, he claimed the entire process was 'fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality' and vowed to 'sue the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.' The BBC responded by stating that its investigation with The Times involved 'joint investigation into the behaviour of David Sullivan' and is due to be broadcast and published on Monday.

West Ham now faces an uncertain future without Sullivan at the helm. The club's statement confirmed his resignation, but the power vacuum has already sparked speculation about the next chapter in ownership.

Boardroom uncertainty: Kretinsky's 27% stake and the Sullivan sons plan

According to the source report, a boardroom power struggle may now ensue. Czech co-chairman Daniel Kretinsky, who holds a 27% stake in West Ham, is understood to harbour reservations about a mooted plan for Sullivan's two sons, Jack and David, to replace him. Kretinsky may instead seek to increase his holding and take control of the club. The outcome of this internal battle will determine the direction of the Premier League side . What remains unknown is whether any other accusers might come forward or if Sullivan's libel suit will succeed in court. The coming weeks will likely reveal more about the credibility of the allegations and the stability of West Ham's leadership.