Kurt Zouma, a West Ham defender, has lost his contract with Adidas after a shocking video surfaced showing him dropping, kicking, and hitting his cat.
The RSPCA organization claimed it had put two animals belonging to the France defender into care and fined him the “maximum amount possible” for mistreating his cat.
The RSPCA, an animal welfare organization, called the video “extremely sad” and said it is heading the investigation while working with authorities.
As the public outrage grows in a country known for its love of animals, about 200,000 people have joined an online petition demanding that Zouma be punished.
West Ham issued a fresh statement on Wednesday saying Zouma was complying with the RSPCA, including delivering his two cats to the charity for assessment.
“Kurt is extremely remorseful and, like everyone at the club, fully understands the depth of feeling surrounding the incident and the need for action to be taken,” the club said.
“Separate to the RSPCA’s investigation and pending further sanction once the outcome of that process is determined, West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated.
“The player has immediately accepted the fine and has requested that it is donated to animal welfare charities.”
Reports said the fine would total around £250,000 ($340,000), with standard Premier League contracts allowing for a maximum fine of two weeks’ wages.
The RSPCA, which is working with police on the case, tweeted that the cats were “safe and in our care”.
“Our priority is and has always been the well-being of these cats,” said a spokesman. “They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.
“We’re grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.”
‘Very distressed’
Adidas, the defender’s official personal kit supplier, confirmed it had cut ties with Zouma, saying in a statement: “We have concluded our investigation and can confirm Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas-contracted athlete.”
West Ham had previously said they would be dealing with the matter internally, adding: “We would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”