Wolves training ‘cancelled’ and ‘security increased’ as player refuses to leave

Wolves have reportedly increased security to stop striker Tolu Arokodare from entering their training facilities.

It is claimed the Championship side were forced to cancel their training session on Monday after the Nigerian refused to leave the pitch.

Getty

The club’s new manager, Cesar Peixoto, has laid down the law and taken extra measures to ensure the 25-year-old does not return.

Wolves journalist Nathan Judah first reported the news and added that Arokodare will not be involved in the travelling squad for the pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United.

Why is Arokodare banned from training?

The 25-year-old moved to Molineux from Genk in 2025 for a fee of £26million.

However, Arokodare has been unable to replicate his Belgian goalscoring form in the Premier League, netting just three goals in 33 appearances.

This is not his first problem Wolves have encountered with the player. After the team were thrashed 4-0 by West Ham in April, the striker and Matheus Mane had a physical altercation in the dressing room.

Following that incident, the midlands-based club sanctioned the frontman and issued a fine.

The Nigerian has already informed Wolves of his desire to leave this summer; however, the Molineux hierarchy want more than €20million (£15million) for his sale.

Arokodare has made it clear he wants to continue playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues after Wolves accepted a bid from Turkish giants Trabzonspor

Serie A side Fiorentina remain interested and have reportedly submitted an improved proposal of €22million (£16.5million) option to buy.

FIFA Repercussions

However, the entire incident could cause a headache for Wolves following FIFA introduction of new player protection rules last month.

Getty

The updated regulations were designed to stop clubs from isolating players simply to force them out.

Clubs are no longer allowed to force contracted players to train separately from the main group to pressure them into accepting transfers.

Players must continue training with the first team unless there is a legitimate sporting reason or a documented medical issue preventing their participation.

If FIFA determines that a club has breached these regulations, the consequences can be severe. Players remain entitled to receive their full salaries and benefits.

They may also seek contract termination, allowing them to leave on a free transfer rather than generating a transfer fee for their club.

Laying down the law

Peixoto was brought in to replace Rob Edwards, who was sacked after the midlands-based outfit were relegated from the Premier League after finishing bottom of the table.

Getty

In the head coach’s first interview, he said: “Firstly, I’m a very demanding coach. But, I believe in giving others maximum freedom and maximum responsibility.

” I want us to work as a team and as a unit and build a good environment.

“This is important to me, but I know very well what I want from the team. I want my team to be organised with and without the ball.

“Secondly, I want a team with intensity and to be aggressive and win duels.

“The third one is I want to show the quality of the players. To play an offensive game and to try and press high. To try and be the main character of the games.

“I want to win games, but I want to win while playing good football. With passion and energy.

“[The supporters can expect] a team with ambition. A strong character and identity and a strong idea of the game.

“A team that never gives up to win three points and to try and make the fans proud.”