LONDON: West Ham defender Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan face prosecution under British animal welfare laws after a disturbing video circulated showing Kurt slapping and kicking one of his own pet cats.
The footage, shot by Yoan, prompted widespread outrage and led to a hefty fine for Kurt when it surfaced last month.
Animal welfare charity the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) took two cats belonging to Kurt Zouma, 27, into its care following the incident.
On Wednesday it said it was taking action against the footballers.
“Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act,” it said in a statement.
“The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA. We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed.”
West Ham manager David Moyes has continued to select France international Kurt Zouma since the incident despite calls for tougher action against him.
The central defender was fined the “maximum amount possible” by the Premier League club and lost his deal with sportswear giant Adidas over the incident.
A statement issued by the London club on Wednesday said: “West Ham United is aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation involving Kurt Zouma.
“Kurt continues to cooperate fully, supported by the club. It is our understanding that Kurt’s cats have been checked by a vet, are in good health and have suffered no physical injuries.
“For legal reasons, neither Kurt nor the club will be making any further comment at this time.”
Yoan Zouma also plays football in England, for non-league side Dagenham and Redbridge.
The National League club said their defender would now be available to play for them after being suspended since February but added they reserved the right to take further action “if deemed necessary” following the conclusion of court proceedings.
Hundreds of thousands of people signed an online petition calling for Kurt Zouma to be prosecuted and club sponsors expressed their displeasure over the contents of the video.
The central defender has been jeered by spectators, including some Hammers fans.
West Ham’s Zouma faces prosecution over cat abuse video
https://arab.news/93d5v
West Ham’s Zouma faces prosecution over cat abuse video
- The footage, shot by Yoan, prompted widespread outrage and led to a hefty fine for Kurt when it surfaced last month
- Animal welfare charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took two cats belonging to Kurt Zouma into its care following the incident
Tsitsipas, Auger-Aliassime, Medvedev, Rublev lead star-studded Dubai ATP 500 lineup
DUBAI: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will again welcome a world-class men’s line-up in 2026, with defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas joined by Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev for the ATP 500 from Feb. 23–28.
Tsitsipas will aim to defend the title he claimed last year when he capped a dominant week with victory over Auger-Aliassime. The triumph was a highlight of the Greek star’s season, underlining his ability on hard courts.
Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked world No. 7, arrives in Dubai following one of the most successful campaigns of his career. The Canadian lifted three ATP Tour titles in 2025 — Adelaide, Montpellier and Brussels — and reached the semifinals of the US Open, adding to his credentials as a leading contender after last year’s runner-up finish in Dubai.
Former champions Medvedev and Rublev join the field. Medvedev, the 2023 Dubai winner and 2021 US Open champion, remains one of the most formidable hard-court players on tour, with his tactical discipline and experience proving well suited to conditions in the UAE. Rublev, champion in 2022, returns after another consistent season, bringing his trademark intensity and powerful baseline game back to a venue where he has enjoyed notable success.
The 2026 line-up is further strengthened by world No. 10 Alexander Bublik, the 2024 Dubai finalist known for his flair and unpredictability, and British No. 1 Jack Draper, ranked world No. 11, who continued his rise with a breakthrough Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells last season. Also confirmed is world No. 17 Karen Khachanov, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, who enjoyed a strong 2025 and a runner-up finish at the National Bank Open in Toronto.
“We are thrilled with the strength and depth of the ATP 500 field confirmed for 2026,” said Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free and chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee. “With Stefanos returning as defending champion, Felix coming off an exceptional season, and former champions like Daniil and Andrey in the mix, fans can expect outstanding tennis across both weeks.”
Tournament director Salah Tahlak said the event continued to be a benchmark on the men’s tour: “Year after year, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships showcase an exceptional standard of tennis. With this caliber of players already confirmed, we are confident the 2026 ATP 500 will deliver another memorable week for fans in Dubai and audiences worldwide.”
The championships will again be staged back-to-back, with the women’s WTA 1000 tournament taking place from Feb. 15–21 followed by the men’s ATP 500 event. The women’s draw is set to feature many of the sport’s biggest names, including defending champion Mirra Andreeva, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiątek and world No. 3 Coco Gauff.
Tickets for both tournaments are now on sale via both ticketmaster.ae and the official tournament website. Prices start from 65 UAE dirhams.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.
