Tolu Arokodare Denies Wolves Training Ground Dispute
Nigeria international striker Tolu Arokodare has rejected claims that he was involved in a training ground altercation at Wolverhampton Wanderers, describing the reports as inaccurate and disappointing.
The forward stated that throughout his career he has always maintained the highest professional standards and remains fully committed to fulfilling his contractual obligations with the club.
Arokodare’s comments came after reports suggested that Monday’s training session was cancelled because he allegedly refused to leave the pitch when instructed not to train with the first team. It was also claimed that additional security was deployed at Wolves’ Compton Park facility on Tuesday to prevent his return.
The speculation surrounds a period of significant change at Molineux, with Cesar Peixoto having replaced Rob Edwards as head coach after the side’s relegation from the Premier League last season.
During the 2023‑24 campaign, Arokodare netted six goals in 38 appearances and has since attracted interest from several clubs this summer. Serie A sides Genoa and Fiorentina are reported to be admirers, with Fiorentina said to have had an offer turned down. The striker has also been linked with Turkish outfit Trabzonspor and Dutch giants Ajax, while reportedly turning down a move to the former.
His absence from Wolves’ pre‑season friendly against Maidenhead United further fuelled talk that he could depart before the transfer window closes.
The situation has drawn extra attention following FIFA’s recent updates to player status and transfer regulations, negotiated with the global players’ union FIFPRO. The new rules prohibit clubs from isolating contracted players from the first‑team squad or using separate training groups to pressure them into accepting a move.
FIFPRO explained that players will now be better protected from abusive practices such as forced isolation, passport withholding, or registration procedure manipulation, which have affected many athletes for too long.
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