According to The Times, the UK's Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has intervened in the serious allegations of sexual assault involving West Ham United's largest shareholder, David Sullivan, and has contacted the police to assess whether the 77-year-old businessman remains eligible to hold club shares.

Sullivan is currently West Ham United's largest shareholder, holding approximately 38.8% of the club's shares. The report states that the IFR has sought information from relevant law enforcement agencies as part of its investigation into owner suitability. Meanwhile, the Premier League has also referred the matter to the IFR for handling.

The controversy stems from a joint investigation in June this year. According to the UK's Panorama and The Times, seven female models accused Sullivan of using his influence to sexually assault them during the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan has denied all the allegations, calling the claims "completely false."

Before the allegations were made public, Sullivan had resigned as co-chairman of West Ham United. Reports indicate that he is currently focused on dealing with the investigations against him.

At the football regulatory level, the FA had previously restricted Sullivan's contact with West Ham United Women's team and academy players, prohibiting one-on-one contact or direct interaction due to historical complaints against him. Meanwhile, the FA has also launched an independent investigation into Sullivan under the newly revised Owners' and Directors' Test.

The IFR stated that its investigation into Sullivan's suitability to continue as a West Ham United shareholder has entered its final stages and that it is currently in communication with relevant law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

An IFR spokesperson said: "The IFR's investigation into Sullivan's suitability to remain a shareholder has entered its final stages, and we are in contact with the relevant authorities."

The incident has also attracted the attention of the British government. Both the Prime Minister's spokesperson and the Culture Secretary have previously expressed concern about the allegations, calling the situation distressing and emphasizing that they must be taken seriously.

The police have also taken action. Essex Police confirmed that they recently received new relevant information and are currently conducting inquiries. The Metropolitan Police is investigating historical reports of indecent images and sexual exploitation relating to the 1980s.

It is worth noting that Sullivan has faced multiple historical allegations in the past, but none of these cases led to further legal action. The investigation into him is currently ongoing, and whether the IFR ultimately deems him ineligible to be a club owner will be a key factor in the next phase of this controversy.

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