West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma will now face a police investigation in relation to a video which showed him kicking his cat.
The footage of the 27-year-old is believed to have been filmed by the player's brother Yoan over the weekend, and has been condemned both by his club and by the RSPCA.
Zouma himself has issued an apology for his actions and could now face police action.
Sky Sports had reported that the Metropolitan Police would not be following up on the incident, but CBS claim it has since been passed over via Surrey Police to their colleagues in the Essex force - where the video was filmed - who are set to make enquiries.
West Ham are continuing to deal with the matter internally after releasing a statement in the light of the footage.
After The Sun obtained further footage of Zouma kicking his pet, the player issued his own statement to the publication.
"I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret," he said.
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
"West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated," a statement from Zouma's club read.
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
Zouma had joined the club from Chelsea over the summer in a deal worth £30m, and has played 14 times for the Hammers.
The player had been involved for West Ham in their last two games, a Premier League defeat against Manchester United and an FA Cup win away to Kidderminster Harriers.
Charity RSPCA also put out a statement following the incident, saying: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”
