West Ham hero Tomas Soucek is reportedly facing the shock prospect of being stripped of the Czech Republic captaincy amid controversy in his national team’s camp.
There are few more consummate and beloved professionals than Tomas Soucek in the history of West Ham United.
The selfless midfielder has been the man for all seasons and all occasions since joining the Hammers in a bargain £15m deal back in January 2020.
Behind Jarrod Bowen, Soucek has been West Ham’s best and most consistent player in the near six years since.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the towering Czech, who has found himself to be something of a go-to scapegoat for a section of Hammers fans at times.
Soucek rises above Hammers haters
Soucek has faced increasing levels of criticism over the last few years with many questioning whether he should still command a place in the West Ham team.
The criticism was so harsh from a vociferous minority after Soucek was subbed off in a recent defeat to Leeds, it prompted his best friend and former Hammers favourite Vladimir Coufal to blast some fans on social media.
Soucek even apologised for West Ham’s dire situation despite being singled out for criticism.
While his role has changed of late under Nuno Espirito Santo, Soucek has silenced any critics yet again lately as a super sub auxiliary striker.
He stepped up to the plate when West Ham needed him most, scoring in back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Burnley to breathe life into the club’s survival hopes.
Soucek recently revealed in a new book that he has suffered with depression due to pressure and criticism at West Ham and with the national team.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Now there is more turmoil for West Ham hero Soucek as he has been stripped of the Czech captaincy over a new controversy.
The Czechs, who had been assured of second place in Group L, beat Gibraltar 6-0 in Olomouc in their final World Cup qualifier this week.
But the players reportedly refused to thank Czech fans, who have been critical of their performances throughout a qualifying campaign that had seen Soucek issue a public apology previously.
The Czech Football Association has apologised to fans and revealed West Ham ace Soucek and his teammates will not be receiving their usual financial bonuses for the game with the money going to charities instead.
It is Soucek who is once again being made the scapegoat, though.
West Ham hero Soucek to be stripped of Czech captaincy
Because it has been announced the Hammers midfielder, who scored again in the win, will be stripped of the captaincy for the team’s next match.
That will be a crucial World Cup play-off to be played in March where the Czech Republic will be seeded in Thursday’s draw for the 16-team shootout for a spot at the US tournament.
“Unfortunately, the players’ attitude completely overshadowed the performance on the pitch and the positive fact of the national team’s advancement to the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup,” the association said in an official statement.
“None of the players stand above the country they have the honour of representing, and none of the players are more than a fan who dedicates their resources, time, and energy to supporting the Czech national team.
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“At the same time, fans have every right to express their disagreement with the unsatisfactory performances in recent matches.
“The players’ reaction should have been the opposite. They should have thanked the active fans. Not only for yesterday’s support, but also for their long-term and tireless support throughout the entire qualifying cycle after a series of unconvincing performances.
“The FAČR Football Association also decided that Tomas Soucek will not lead the team as captain in the next match and the players will not be paid bonuses related to yesterday’s qualifying match. These funds will be donated to help those in need.
“On behalf of the entire football association, we thank everyone who cheers for us and supports Czech football.”
