Super Eagles defender, Kunle Odunlami, has been handed an indefinite suspension by Nigeria Professional Football League side, Sunshine Stars.
Odunlami was alleged to have absconded from the club while they were on the road to honour a league match against Enugu Rangers.
Reports suggest the defender headed for Morocco where he has been reported to be holding contract talks with Raja Casablanca.
A statement issued by Sunshine Stars which was signed by Wahab Bankole reads:
“Kunle Odunlami it will be recalled absconded and abandoned the team at Asaba, Delta State, on the way to honour a week 14 Glo Premier League match against Enugu Rangers on Sunday, 28th of June, 2015 without any official permission from the club.
“We later learnt that he travelled to Morocco to engage in talks with Raja Casablanca for a possible transfer.”
The statement further said management of Sunshine Stars has reported the involvement and activities of Mr Oluwasegun Jewel, the purported agent of Mr Odunlami, to the Nigeria Football Federation for the manner in which he handled the situation.
“The Management of Sunshine Stars has also communicated the case and suspension of Mr Kunle Odunlami to the Nigeria Football Federation, the League Management Company, LMC, Players Status Arbitration Committee of NFF as well as the TMS Manager of the NFF,” the statement adds.
“Also, the management of Sunshine Stars has complained against the illegal poaching of the player by Raja Casablanca of Morocco to the appropriate authorities.
“Raja Casablanca’s action is in breach of Article 18, paragraph 3 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players which states inter alia;
“a club intending to conclude a contract with a professional player must inform the player’s current club in writing before entering into negotiation with him.
“A professional shall only be free to conclude a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or is due to expire within six (6) months.
“Any breach of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanction.”
The Nigerian club reiterated that the above article gives no room for any ambiguity, wondering why a big club like Raja Casablanca FC of Morocco would breach a professional transfer rule and guideline clearly spelt out by FIFA.
Author: Chief Editor
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