The RSPCA announced their intention on Wednesday to prosecute West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma after a video emerged last month showing him kicking and slapping a cat.
In a video published by The Sun, Zouma could be seen picking up the family pet before kicking it across the kitchen floor. The video was originally published on Snapchat by Zouma's brother, Yoan.
The defender later apologised for his actions, which resulted in him being fined two weeks' wages and his two cats being taken into care.
The RSPCA said in a statement on Wednesday: "Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing prosecution proceedings against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act. 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.