Zouma loses deal with Adidas for maltreating cat

By Matthew Eloyi

Kurt Zouma, a West Ham defender, has lost his contract with Adidas after a shocking video surfaced showing him dumping, kicking, and slapping his cat.

The RSPCA charity 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, described the video “very upsetting” and said it is leading 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 prosecuted.

On Wednesday, West Ham published a new statement, stating that Zouma was cooperating with the RSPCA, including handing his two cats to the organization for evaluation.

According to the club, “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.

“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.”

According to reports, 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 wellbeing 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.”

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.”

Insurance and investment company, Vitality, also announced it was suspending its sponsorship as West Ham’s “official wellness partner”, saying it was “distressed” by the video.

A spokesman for Heineken UK, West Ham’s “beer and cider partner”, said it was appalled at the contents of the video and welcomed the actions the club were taking.

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.”

But Zouma, who had previously apologised for his actions, was nevertheless selected by manager David Moyes for Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Watford at the London Stadium.

Responding to criticism, Moyes insisted he was an “animal lover” but was adamant he had to do what was right for his club, who are fourth in the Premier League table.