Karim Adeyemi’s Legal Controversy Shadows World Cup Qualifier

Shortly before the German national team’s pivotal World Cup qualifying match against Slovakia last night, a controversy involving attacker Karim Adeyemi surfaced. According to Sport Bild, the Borussia Dortmund player was convicted of a charge related to illegal weapons in the German state of Westphalia approximately two weeks ago. Adeyemi is also rumored to be linked with a transfer to Manchester United.

Reports indicate that Adeyemi had ordered a set of brass knuckles and a taser online. When these items were discovered in his possession, he had to respond to charges concerning prohibited weapons under German law. A Ruhr district court issued a verdict in early November, imposing a fine of €450,000, payable over a two-month period.

The German Football Association (DFB) became aware of the conviction only after Sport Bild published the story late last week. German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann addressed the situation regarding Adeyemi at a press conference on Sunday, confirming his awareness of the incident and that he had discussed it with the player.

Despite the seriousness of the matter, Nagelsmann chose to remain discreet prior to such an important match. Adeyemi, who was suspended for Friday’s qualifier against Luxembourg, was made available for the game against Slovakia, although he ultimately remained on the bench while Nagelsmann utilized all five of his substitutions.

“I had a good conversation with Karim,” Nagelsmann stated on Sunday. “However, this is an issue that should not take precedence. As a coach, I cannot comment extensively before such a significant game. This situation is too substantial for us and for German football at this moment, which is why I will refrain from addressing further questions, regardless of how they are framed.”

Following the match, former German national team head coach and current DFB president Rudi Völler addressed the controversy while speaking to German public broadcaster ZDF. Nagelsmann had indicated that discussions would continue after the game, and Völler confirmed that the DFB was closely monitoring the situation, suggesting that Adeyemi may face sanctions.

“The day after the game in Luxembourg, Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director Lars Ricken informed me about the situation,” Völler remarked. “Julian and I confronted Karim to hear his account of events. He attempted to clarify the circumstances, likely hoping the issue would remain undisclosed. We were caught off guard.

“We can criticize him without outright condemning him,” Völler continued. “We have all made mistakes at that age, though perhaps not of this magnitude. It is naive and foolish to order such items online. I do not wish to downplay this behavior. We will approach this matter thoughtfully; there is no value in becoming embroiled in outrage. We will discuss potential sanctions in due course.”

— GGFN | Peter Weis