The football regulator has been in discussion with West Ham about allegations made against the club's co-owner, David Sullivan, that he pressured aspiring models for sex.
The 77-year-old strongly refuted the claims, describing them as "false allegations" which he would take legal action over, following the BBC and The Times reporting accounts of seven women alleging Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.
In a lengthy statement, Sullivan described the claims as "factually incorrect and entirely false". He stated he had "not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication," and he believes "the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality".
He also said he was stepping down from his role at West Ham in order to "apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations" and indicated he would be issuing libel proceedings against the BBC.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said it is in contact with West Ham seeking more information.
An IFR spokesman said: "These are extremely serious allegations. We are in contact with West Ham on this matter and will use our statutory powers to seek urgent information from David Sullivan relating to his suitability under our owners, directors and senior executives regime. We are unable to comment further at this stage."
The alleged accounts from women date back to the 1980 and 1990s, when Sullivan owned the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The accounts given by a number of women to the BBC and the Times today are harrowing."
David Sullivan 'categorically denies' all the claims against him
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He added: "The Prime Minister is absolutely clear that any victim of alleged sexual assault, no matter how long ago, should contact the police and we would expect them to be given the proper support they need."
The Times said it conducted a two-year investigation involving its reporters speaking to dozens of former models.
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said in a statement: "These deeply concerning allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and be investigated by the relevant authorities, with victims given the support they need.
Sullivan is accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against women
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"The Government stands strongly against any form of harassment or abuse of power in the workplace and is working across industries to stamp it out and build an environment where people feel safe and able to challenge inappropriate behaviour."
Sullivan said he "categorically denies" all the claims, with his lawyers saying that following publication of the earlier lengthy statement, he will make no further public comment. GB News has contacted Sullivan for further comment.
Scotland Yard said: "We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed.
Sullivan stepped down as West Ham chairman over the weekend
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"As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed, and the appropriate inquiries carried out.
"In recent years, we have been working closely with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure that victim-survivors are at the heart of our response, with a greater focus on suspects and their offending.
"We would encourage any victims of sexual offences to come forward and speak to us on 101, or 999 in an emergency."
Sullivan said: 'The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media'
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In a statement announcing he was stepping down as chairman of West Ham at the weekend, Sullivan set out his categorical denial of the "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations" being made and stated "none of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football".
He also said: "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.
"After very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
"This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect and responsibility toward a football club and a fanbase that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward."
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