Football regulator 'in contact' with West Ham over Sullivan

Football regulator 'in contact' with West Ham over SullivanJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleTabby WilsonPA MediaThe Independent Football Regulator (IFR) says it is "in contact" with West Ham and will use its statutory powers to seek "urgent information" from co-owner David Sullivan "relating to his suitability" under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime, after allegations against him.Multiple women accused the billionaire of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, in some cases when they were in their late teens.Sullivan "categorically" denied the claims, uncovered by BBC Panorama and the Times.The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the "deeply concerning" allegations must be "treated with the utmost seriousness" and "investigated by the relevant authorities".West Ham co-owner accused of preying on women for sexWho is David Sullivan - football boss, 'king of porn' and alleged sexual predator?Sullivan steps down at West Ham in wake of allegationsThe allegations span decades when Sullivan made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football.All come from women who were in their late teens or early twenties and were young models seeking work at Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers.The IFR called the allegations "extremely serious". It is expected to use its information-gathering powers to determine whether there are grounds for concern regarding Sullivan's role in the club. If the regulator does come into possession of such material, it may open an investigation into the West Ham co-owner's suitability.Factors the IFR may consider when assessing a person's suitability include whether they have the requisite honesty and integrity.A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: "These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be i...