West Ham United have been accused by the chairman of their women's team of breaking Football Association rules on discrimination, according to BBC Sport.
Stephen Hunt has lodged a formal complaint with the FA and claims the women's side have been stopped by the club from finding their own sponsors and been forced to buy their own kit, leading them to wear last season's strip with old players' names crossed out on the back.
Amongst other claims, Hunt also alleges West Ham will not let them use their gym, while the club promised a financial contribution but the money has not come through and so have stopped answering emails. Hunt adds his side cannot afford a physio or a team bus.
"West Ham need to be fined until they start to act like a 21st century club," Hunt told BBC Sport. "I think West Ham have breached the underlying objectives of the FA to promote equality and grassroots football at all levels.
"Initially, what I thought was a lack of interest I now understand is a positive intent by senior people at West Ham to block the growth of West Ham Ladies. It's beyond negligence, it is trying to starve us of any sort of funding."
West Ham have issued a statement in response, rejecting Hunt's accusations.
"The day-to-day management of West Ham United Ladies FC was transferred to a third party some time ago and unfortunately it is an arrangement that has simply not worked," the statement read. "Mr Hunt has refused to align with West Ham's principles throughout his tenure as chairman and has, on a number of occasions, threatened the club.
"The club have been working for some time on plans to take West Ham United Ladies FC 'in house' and, in light of Mr Hunt's most recent deeply concerning comments, we will now be seeking to do so at the earliest opportunity.
"We will, of course, seek to maintain the current West Ham United Ladies FC squad personnel where possible, and provide them with the best possible support and management moving forward.
"As a result of this, women's football at West Ham United will become bigger, better and stronger, as we continue our commitment to the growth and development of the women's game, both on and off the pitch."