Kurt Zuma (27, West Ham United), who plays in the English Premier League (EPL), is facing a severe blow after the cat abuse controversy. 



According to foreign media such as the British BBC on the 10th local time, a video of French West Ham defender Zuma abusing a cat has recently spread online.  



The video, filmed by Zuma's brother and posted on social media, shows Zuma kicking a cat in his home with his paws and hitting him with his hands like a soccer ball.

It also includes a scene in which he chases a running cat and throws his shoes and bursts into laughter. 




As the video went viral, Zuma became embroiled in an animal cruelty controversy, and more than 200,000 people signed an online petition demanding punishment for Zuma. 



The British Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said, "This is a very embarrassing and upsetting video. Zuma's actions are clearly animal cruelty," and "We will cooperate with the police to investigate thoroughly." 



As the controversy grew, Zuma apologized, saying, "I have no excuses. I'm sorry. I sincerely regret my stupid actions. I want to let everyone know that the two cats are healthy." 




The West Ham club also recognized the seriousness of the incident.

On the 9th, the club issued a statement saying, "We condemn Zuma's actions. We will actively cooperate with the RSPCA investigation and will deal with this case internally. We do not tolerate cruelty to animals." 



The club also said that Zuma had agreed to donate the amount to an animal welfare organization, fined Zuma a two-week salary of £250,000 (about 400 million won). 




Shortly after the West Ham apology statement was released, Zuma resigned as an ambassador for the cat rescue charity 'Seed' run by his wife Sandra, but the scandal has not subsided easily. 



"We have decided to terminate his contract with him," Adidas, Zuma's sporting goods sponsor, said in a statement. "Zuma is no longer an Adidas player."



West Ham's sponsor, insurance company Vitality, said: "We condemn all acts of violence, including cruelty to animals," and immediately stopped sponsorship. 



Zuma is also at risk of being kicked out of the French national football team. 



French national football team coach Didier Deschamps said in an interview with local media, "Zuma's video is really shocking and brutal. I couldn't hold back my anger while watching it." I did. 



This is a 'news pick'.



(Photo='West Ham United' Twitter, 'Evening Standard' YouTube capture)