The UK's football regulator is in contact with West Ham after allegations were made against co-owner David Sullivan that he had pressured aspiring models for sex.
The 77-year-old recently quit as chairman of the east London football club to fight what he claimed were "false allegations" about his conduct.
On Monday, the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr. Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said it is in contact with the football club seeking information about Mr. Sullivan's suitability as a co-owner following the claims, which he denies.
An IFR spokesperson 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 accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport.
According to the reporting, the claims about Mr. Sullivan involve him pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early 20s.
The Times said it was a two-year investigation, which involved its reporters interviewing dozens of former models and other industry sources.
In a statement, a Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said: "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.
"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."
David Sullivan has stepped down from his role as West Ham chairman. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images At the weekend, Mr. Sullivan said he "categorically denies" all of the claims. His lawyers said he would make no further public comment when contacted after Monday's reports were published.
The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating a report relating to the "alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s."