Wolverhampton Wanderers were forced to cancel a first-team training session after Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare reportedly refused to leave the pitch when instructed not to train with the senior squad.
The incident, which occurred during the club’s pre-season preparations at Compton Park, has sparked a major disciplinary issue, with the striker now frozen out of first-team activities.
According to reports, newly appointed manager César Peixoto directed the 25-year-old to train away from the senior squad, but Arokodare stood his ground and declined to leave the training pitch, prompting club officials to call off the session.
The confrontation reportedly led Wolves to increase security at the entrance to Compton Park to prevent the striker from accessing first-team facilities.
Arokodare has also been omitted from the squad for the club’s pre-season trip to face Maidenhead United as the Championship side continues to deal with the fallout from the dispute.
The latest development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the forward’s future at Molineux following a difficult debut campaign.
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk in a £23.4 million deal but managed only three league goals in 33 appearances as the club finished bottom of the Premier League and suffered relegation.
The disappointing campaign also resulted in the departure of Rob Edwards, with Peixoto taking charge ahead of the new season.
Reports suggest the Portuguese coach does not see the Nigerian striker as part of his plans, having already excluded him from Wolves’ pre-season training camp in Portugal.
The striker is expected to leave the club this summer, with Serie A clubs Fiorentina and Genoa, as well as Turkish side Trabzonspor, linked with moves for the Nigerian international.
However, Wolves and Arokodare are understood to be at an impasse over the terms of his departure, with the player keen to move on while the club seeks to recover a substantial portion of the fee paid for his signature.
The situation could also attract attention beyond the transfer market.
Under FIFA’s updated player protection regulations, clubs are prohibited from isolating contracted players in an attempt to force transfers without valid sporting or medical reasons.
Should the circumstances be deemed to breach those rules, Wolves could face disciplinary consequences, including financial sanctions, transfer restrictions or the possibility of the player terminating his contract.
