Sullivan has ended his 16-year spell at the top of West Ham United, resigning as joint-chairman and director with immediate effect. The decision comes during a turbulent period for the club following relegation from the Premier League and the departure of vice-chairman Karren Brady earlier this year.

Sullivan said he chose to step aside after becoming aware that historic allegations concerning his personal life were due to be broadcast and published. He stressed that his resignation was intended to prevent personal matters from affecting the club's stability during an important rebuilding phase. West Ham later confirmed that Sullivan had also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.

In a statement released, Sullivan rejected the allegations and criticised the reporting surrounding them. He said: "I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published. The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.

"I categorically deny these claims. I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as."

The billionaire also vowed to pursue legal action, stating: "I will be suing the BBC for libel, along...