David Sullivan Defies Advice to Attend West Ham v Portsmouth

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has defied advice to stay away from the London Stadium by attending the Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth. The businessman has denied allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour.

Why it Matters for Portsmouth

The Carabao Cup tie against West Ham is the first competitive fixture Portsmouth have played since the allegations were first reported. Portsmouth are currently 18th in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games, and a goal difference of -15.

What Comes Next?

The make-up of West Ham's ownership group is due to change after Vanessa Gold, daughter of former West Ham chair David Gold, reached an agreement to sell her family's 25.1 per cent share in the club to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, the former co-owner of Newcastle. Portsmouth's next fixture is against Blackburn on February 20, 2027, in the Championship.

Background

David Sullivan, 77, stepped down from his position of co-chair of West Ham in June following a joint investigation by the BBC and The Times that accused him of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour by seven women. Sullivan has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life".

Additional Measures

The London Stadium has confirmed that it had "recommended" to West Ham that Sullivan stay away from home fixtures, and asked for advance notice of any planned visits by Sullivan, who retains a 38.8% stake in the club, in order to implement additional safety and operational measures.

Transfer News

The make-up of West Ham's ownership group is due to change after Vanessa Gold, daughter of former West Ham chair David Gold, reached an agreement to sell her family's 25.1 per cent share in the club to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, the former co-owner of Newcastle.

League Standing

Portsmouth are currently 18th in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games, and a goal difference of -15. They are 40 points behind leaders Coventry.

Goals Scored and Conceded

Portsmouth have scored 49 goals and conceded 64 this season, with a goal difference of -15.

Next Fixture

Portsmouth's next fixture is against Blackburn on February 20, 2027, in the Championship.