West Ham expect major shareholder David Sullivan to attend Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth despite London Stadium recommending he stay away because of concerns over possible fan unrest. The match is the club’s first since allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against Sullivan were reported; he denies them, and the situation adds to uncertainty around the club’s ownership and governance.

Sullivan, 77, resigned as co-chair in June but retains a 38.8% stake, while the stadium has asked for advance warning of any visits so additional safety measures can be arranged. He has also been barred from contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams for three years over safeguarding concerns, which he disputes; meanwhile, ownership manoeuvres involving Vanessa Gold, Amanda Staveley and Daniel Kretinsky could alter control of the club. Around 55,000 season tickets have been sold, with the 15:00 BST match expected to set an EFL Cup first-round attendance record.