The latest statement issued on behalf of West Ham United vice-chair Baroness Karen Brady has added an important governance dimension to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding allegations made against club owner David Sullivan.
Through her lawyers, Carter Ruck, Brady stated:
“Our client had no knowledge of the allegations reported by Panorama and The Times and was not involved in, nor did she witness nor have any knowledge whatsoever of the incidents alleged in the reports.”
Brady’s lawyers also confirmed that she was aware of an FA safeguarding investigation from 2023, after the club was notified. However, they stressed that she was not part of the club’s safeguarding team and was bound by confidentiality obligations.
Her lawyers further stated:
“Our client acted throughout in accordance with her responsibilities, complied with the confidentiality requirements of that process, and supported the club’s adherence to its safeguarding framework.”
Football Governance
From a football governance perspective, the issue is not simply what any one individual knew. The wider question is whether clubs have proper safeguarding systems, clear reporting structures and effective oversight when serious allegations arise.
This is not an isolated concern in football. The allegations made by former Fulham Ladies captain Ronnie Gibbons in relation to Mohamed Al Fayed and Fulham Football Club show why safeguarding in football must be treated as a governance issue, not merely a disciplinary or reputational matter.
Where allegations involve senior owners, directors or influential figures, ordinary internal procedures may not be enough. Clubs must be able to demonstrate independence, transparency and a culture in which players, staff and witnesses can safely raise concerns.
The developing West Ham situation also comes at a time when football regulation is moving into a new era. The Independent Football Regulator is expected to place greater emphasis on whether clubs are run properly, sustainably and responsibly. While much of the public debate has focused on finance, ownership and club stability, safeguarding and governance culture are likely to become increasingly important.
It remains important to stress that allegations remain allegations unless proven. Sullivan denies wrongdoing and any regulator must balance due process with the need to protect confidence in football governance.
For lawyers working in sports regulation, safeguarding and football governance, the lesson is clear. Modern football clubs are no longer judged only by what happens on the pitch. They are also judged by the systems they put in place, the independence of their internal processes and the willingness of senior figures to ensure safeguarding concerns are properly addressed.
