Demba Ba told to forget West Ham move as Hoffenheim threaten striker with legal action

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Updated: 06:36 EST, 6 January 2011

Hammer blow: Demba Ba could face legal action

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 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 his club 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 fulfil his contract in Hoffenheim and eventually accepted that he would not be going nowhere.

'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.