• Premier League

Hoffenheim to block Ba's Hammers move

January 6, 2011
Demba Ba has reportedly been the subject of an offer from West Ham © PA Photos
Enlarge

Hoffenheim general manager Ernst Tanner has told want-away striker Demba Ba to forget about a transfer this month and warned him he can expect to spend the next six months without a club.

Ba refused to travel with the Bundesliga club to their winter training camp in Spain amid interest from Premier League club West Ham.

Hoffenheim are reported to have turned down an offer from the Hammers and the player has since gone on strike.

Tanner claims the striker will now have to face the consequences of his actions, but he will not be allowed to leave.

"I have told him to expect legal action," Tanner said on Hoffenheim's website. "He will be fined and have his contract terminated, but he will not be able to play for any other club.

"We have already had this situation with Demba Ba wanting to get away at all costs. The way the player has tried for a second time to put pressure on his employers must be a first in the Bundesliga."

Ba said he would never play for Hoffenheim again after receiving an approach from Stuttgart in 2009. However, he was ordered to fulfil his contract in Hoffenheim and eventually accepted that he would not be going anywhere.

"Demba's behaviour will certainly have consequences," added Tanner. "This approach to his employers, but also to his team-mates cannot be tolerated."

Ba has refused to return to the club following the winter break and is likely to face a hefty fine from the club.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices