The Fan Advisory Board has received a significant number of enquiries from supporters following recent reporting by The Athletic referring to a Metropolitan Police investigation involving an unnamed Premier League executive.
For clarity:
* The FAB is not identifying any individual.
* The FAB is not asserting that West Ham United is under investigation.
* The FAB is not repeating or endorsing speculation circulating online.
Our sole purpose in contacting the Club was to seek guidance on how best to respond to supporter enquiries in a way that is accurate, responsible and aligned with the Club’s stated position.
The Club has informed us that:
“There is no investigation involving West Ham United,”
and
“The Club does not comment on unverified media reporting or speculation.”
We will reflect that position accurately and in full when responding to supporters.
The Club has also provided information outlining its safeguarding frameworks, statutory obligations and governance arrangements, which we recognise and acknowledge.
However, it is important to explain why the FAB considered it necessary to raise this matter in the first place.
Supporters were not asking the FAB to speculate on identities, nor to confirm or deny any allegation. The enquiries we received centred on reassurance — specifically around governance standards, leadership oversight, safeguarding culture, and reputational accountability. Where The Athletic reporting refers to a “Premier League executive” without naming the club involved, conjecture inevitably spreads across the League. When that conjecture begins — rightly or wrongly — to attach itself to West Ham United, supporters reasonably seek clarity from their Club’s representatives.
The statement that there is “no investigation involving West Ham United” is a statement about the corporate entity. It does not purport to address whether any current or former individual associated with the Club may be referenced or connected within a wider external inquiry. We recognise that legal constraints may limit what can be said publicly.
Supporters are not asking for operational detail or commentary on allegations. They are asking whether the Club’s governance framework, leadership oversight and safeguarding standards are sufficiently robust, proactive and transparent to maintain trust.
Silence may be legally prudent. It does not automatically provide reassurance.
The FAB’s role is to facilitate structured dialogue on matters that materially affect supporter trust and the reputation of West Ham United. When serious allegations are reported anywhere within the Premier League environment, it is legitimate for supporters to expect clarity about standards and accountability — irrespective of whether the Club is formally “involved” in an investigation.
We therefore reiterate:
* We respect due process and the rights of all individuals.
* We are not suggesting wrongdoing by any named or unnamed person.
* We are not asserting that West Ham United is under investigation.
We are, however, stating clearly that supporter concern about governance, leadership oversight and safeguarding culture is reasonable.
The FAB has acted transparently, proportionately and within the law in raising this matter with the Club. We will continue to communicate factually and responsibly — and we will continue to press, constructively but firmly, for the highest possible standards of leadership, oversight and accountability at West Ham United.
We feel that supporter trust is not protected by the avoidance of speculation alone. It is protected by clarity of standards.
West Ham United Fan Advisory Board