The BBC has confirmed details of its Panorama investigation into David Sullivan, who stepped down as joint chairman of West Ham United after improper conduct claims were made against him
The BBC has unveiled the first details of its Panorama investigation into former West Ham chairman and Welsh billionaire David Sullivan.
A TV listing for the episode, which airs tonight, has now appeared online, revealing the programme’s title as ‘Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss’.
Beneath the title, the listing reads: “A joint investigation by Panorama and the Times newspaper into the behaviour of David Sullivan, who has announced he is stepping down as co-chair and director of West Ham United Football Club.
“Over decades, he has made millions from pornography, newspapers and football.”
The corporation had previously confirmed at the weekend that it had been working on an investigation into Sullivan and his conduct.
Sullivan stood down from his role as joint chairman of West Ham on June 6, reports the Mirror.
In a statement, he said: “After very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
“This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.”
He stated he was stepping aside in order to contest what he described as false allegations regarding his behaviour, adding: “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.”
He continued: “I believe the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.
“I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.
“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football. I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations.”
Sullivan is the fifth richest person from Wales, with his net worth recently estimated at £1.1 billion in the Sunday Times Rich List.
He was born in Cardiff and grew up in a Penarth council house.
* Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss will air on the BBC tonight at 8pm.
