West Ham have suspended their director of player recruitment Tony Henry amid claims of racial discrimination.
The club confirmed they were looking into a report in the Daily Mail about comments allegedly made by Henry to other West Ham officials and agents in emails regarding the signing of African players.
A West Ham United spokesman said: "The Club can confirm that Director of Player Recruitment Tony Henry has been suspended pending a full and thorough investigation. West Ham United will not tolerate any type of discrimination and has, therefore, acted swiftly due to the serious nature of these claims.
"The West Ham United family is an inclusive one where, regardless of gender, age, ability, race, religion or sexual orientation, everybody feels welcome and included.
"The Club will make no further comment until the investigation has been concluded."
West Ham player Cheikhou Kouyate posted a message on Instagram on Thursday, saying: "African and proud".
Henry joined West Ham in 2014, having previously worked for Everton, Sunderland and Chelsea.