West Ham have used the payroll deduction imposed on Kurt Zouma after a video showing him abusing his cat emerged to make “significant payments” to nine animal welfare charities, the Premier League club announced on Friday.
“West Ham United are pleased to confirm that financial donations have been made to a number of animal welfare charities following the club’s fine on Kurt Zouma,” the Hammers said in a statement.
“A total of nine organisations, supporting animal protection and welfare in the UK and overseas, have been identified to receive significant payouts,” added the London club.
West Ham’s initiative comes after the broadcast of a controversial video showing Kurt Zouma kicking his cat or throwing a shoe at him.
The 27-year-old defender was sanctioned by his club with a heavy fine, estimated at around 300,000 euros. The money paid will notably help an association which deals with the evacuation of animals in Ukraine, identified thanks to the help of the club’s supporters, the statement said.
The French international (11 caps) also lost his sponsorship contract with the Adidas brand following the incident. The British SPA (RSPCA) has launched proceedings for the player and his brother Yoan, suspected of having recorded the video, to be prosecuted.