Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has explained his role in the incident that forced Wolverhampton Wanderers to cancel a pre-season training session, insisting he was simply trying to carry out his contractual duties.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international became the centre of attention on Monday after reportedly sitting on the training pitch and refusing to leave, prompting new Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto to call off the scheduled training session.
Security was subsequently reinforced at Wolves’ Compton Park training base amid fears the striker could return as tensions over his future continue to escalate.
The dispute stems from Arokodare’s reported exclusion from first-team training despite remaining under contract with the Championship club.
According to reports, Wolves have accepted a transfer offer from Turkish club Trabzonspor, while the Nigerian forward is understood to favour a move to Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.
Breaking his silence in a statement shared on social media, Arokodare rejected suggestions that his actions were disruptive, maintaining that his only objective was to continue training professionally.
“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards,” Arokodare wrote.
The Super Eagles forward added that he remains committed to Wolves and wants to honour his contract until his future is resolved.
“I remain under contract with Wolves, and my only intention is to fulfil my responsibilities professionally by training, doing my job, and contributing to the team in accordance with that contract.”
FIFA’s New Rules Could Strengthen Arokodare’s Position
The transfer standoff comes at a significant time following FIFA’s recent amendments to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), introduced alongside global players’ union FIFPRO.
The revised regulations prohibit clubs from isolating contracted players by excluding them from first-team training or placing them in so-called “bomb squads” solely to pressure them into accepting transfers.
Under the new rules, players must continue training with the senior squad unless there is a legitimate sporting or medical reason for their exclusion.
If FIFA determines that Wolves breached the updated regulations, the club could face serious consequences, including financial sanctions, transfer restrictions and possible sporting penalties.
The rules also allow affected players to seek contract termination in certain circumstances while retaining their salary and benefits, with unpaid wages attracting an automatic eight per cent interest.
With Wolves preparing for life in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League, the dispute over Arokodare’s future could now develop into a significant legal and regulatory issue as well as a transfer saga.
