sports
David Sullivan: how did the pornographer rise so high in modern football?
Sullivan hoped football would legitimise him but claims about historical conduct have led to his resignation from West Ham
TL;DR
- David Sullivan, whose fortune originated in pornography and property, recently resigned as West Ham chairman.
- Sullivan and associates David and Ralph Gold were initially barred from buying into West Ham, leading them to purchase Birmingham City in 1993.
- Sullivan's past conviction for living off immoral earnings and ownership of tabloids like the Daily Sport were known at the time of the Birmingham takeover.
- The introduction of the fit-and-proper-person test in 2004 came after Sullivan's initial club acquisition.
- Sullivan and the Golds sold Birmingham in 2009 and subsequently bought West Ham in 2010.
- Fan discontent at West Ham included protests against the move to the London Stadium.
- Despite his unpopularity, Sullivan's involvement in football is seen by some as a means of sanitizing his reputation.
- Sullivan's resignation follows accusations of improper conduct, which he denies and has threatened to sue over.
- His tenure is described as having a toxic legacy at West Ham, with fears that allegations could deter sponsors.