Sunshine Report Odunlami’s Agent to NFF Over Raja ‘Illegal Approach’

Management of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club Sunshine Stars have reported Kunle Odunlami and his agent Oluwasegun Jewel to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over what it termed as “lack professionalism” in The player’s imminent move to Moroccan club Raja Casablanca.

Defender, Odunlami, who is in Morocco to finalise move to Raja, has also been placed on an “indefinite suspension” for allegedly absconding from the team.

The Akure Gunners confirmed that the 11-cap Nigeria international abandoned the team in Asaba on their way to honour a Week 14 Glo NPFL clash with Enugu Rangers.

A statement by the board of the Glo Premier Leaders read inter Alia: “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 as well as the TMS Manager of the NFF.

Kunle Odunlami Playing for Nigeria During the 2014 African Nation's Championship. Image: Caf via BackPagePix.
Kunle Odunlami Playing for Nigeria During the 2014 African Nation’s Championship. Image: Caf via BackPagePix.

“Also, the management of Sunshine Stars has complained against the illegal approach 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:

a club intending to conclude a contract with a professional 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 provisional shall be subject to appropriate sanction.

Sunshine are tied with Enyimba International FC at the summit of the Nigerian top flight on 29 points but lead by a superior goal difference.