“I am sorry and deeply regretful for the stories that have emerged in the press today and the embarrassment and negative publicity it has brought to the directors, players and staff of West Bromwich Albion football club and all the supporters,” he said.

“My biggest disappointment today is of the team’s relegation to the Championship and I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to help the club regain promotion next season.”

Bednar’s agent David Travnicek added: “I have already met with Roman and we discussed the situation, which is very serious.

“I will be discussing his future with the club’s representatives.”

Bednar, who earns £18,000 a week, turned his loan spell with West Brom into a permanent deal last year when he signed from Scottish Premier League club Hearts for £2.3m.

In his first season at The Hawthorns, he scored 17 times in 22 starts as the club won promotion to the Premier League and made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

This term he started just 12 times in the league, coming off the bench on 14 occasions, scoring six goals.