West Ham United’s decision to play Kurt Zouma against Watford on Tuesday night after videos of him abusing a cat emerged will likely cost the club millions of pounds, according to an industry expert.
Zouma’s brother Yoan uploaded hideous videos to Snapchat of Kurt kicking and slapping his pet cat.
The Hammers defender apologised for his actions, but it was a surprise to see him in the starting XI when West Ham hosted Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
The club has since fined Zouma two weeks’ wages (totalling around £250,000), but their decision to continue to play him is set to hurt them financially.
Two club sponsors have have pulled out of agreements as a result, with ‘destination partner’ Experience Kissimmee ending its sponsorship and ‘wellness partner’ Vitality suspending their agreement.
Zouma has also lost his personal boot sponsorship with Adidas, with the sportswear giants stating: ‘We have concluded our investigation and can confirm Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas contracted athlete.’
Speaking to Telegraph Sport marketing expert and founder of the Brand Council and Superbrands, Marcel Knobil, believes that West Ham will be losing millions thanks to their lack of action against their player.
‘It is certainly millions when you consider sponsors that will now stay clear,’ Knobil said.
‘The key matter is that not only has Kurt Zouma brought intense criticism and alienation towards his own personal brand, but he has also served to undermine West Ham’s integrity.
‘West Ham have navigated this in such a poor fashion too. If West Ham had played it differently, I believe the likes of Vitality would have maintained their loyalty. One kick, in this case, has led to a number of own goals.’
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Source : metro
