West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible by the club, understood to be £250,000, following widespread condemnation of a video showing him dropping, kicking and slapping one of his cats. The RSPCA confirmed it has taken his two cats into care, stating they are safe and that an investigation is ongoing.
The club faced significant backlash for selecting Zouma in the starting lineup for Tuesday's 1-0 win over Watford. The fine will be donated to animal welfare charities, and the French international has apologised for his actions. West Ham stated that Zouma is cooperating fully with the investigation and that further sanctions may follow once the RSPCA's process is concluded.
Several sponsors have distanced themselves from the club. Vitality, West Ham's official wellness partner, suspended its sponsorship with immediate effect, expressing disappointment. Experience Kissimmee said it was evaluating its relationship, while Umbro UK and Heineken UK condemned the player's actions. Additionally, Adidas confirmed Zouma is no longer a contracted athlete.
More than 160,000 people have signed an online petition calling for prosecution. Essex Police confirmed it is liaising with the RSPCA as part of urgent inquiries. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the video as 'despicable' and criticised the decision to play Zouma, while conservationist Chris Packham called it an 'absolute disgrace'.
