West Ham have launched an investigation into claims their director of recruitment Tony Henry told agents that they do not want to sign any more African players.
According to the Daily Mail, Henry said the Premier League club wanted to limit the number of African players because "they have a bad attitude" and "cause mayhem" when they are not in the team.
Henry, it was claimed, suggested it was a policy supported by club management - but insisted West Ham had "nothing against the African race at all".
A statement from West Ham read: "West Ham United is an inclusive, respectful and diverse football club.