Awoniyi's chase lands Kalmar in hot water

Swedish club Kalmar could face the wrath of football’s governing body, FIFA, over their illegal approach to sign Nigeria U-20 international Taiwo Awoniyi.

It was alleged that the Flying Eagles striker penned a preliminary contract under duress with the Allsvenskan side last May, and without the approval of United Academy FC of Ilorin, who own his economic and sporting rights.

Awoniyi joined United Academy FC at the age of 8, and his registration rights was never transferred to Imperial Soccer Academy Odogbolu, the nursery team Kalmar unknowingly did business with.

Awoniyi was with Imperial Soccer Academy five months prior to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup without the consent of Abdulrazaq Olojo, the coach of grassroots club, United Academy.

The 17-year-old was tapped-up by Imperial Soccer Academy under the guise that he was being taken to a foreign club.

The Nigeria youth international was forced to sign a contract without the knowledge of Coach Olojo.

However, the agreement between Awoniyi and Imperial Soccer Academy ran out in April 2014, meaning Kalmar’s pre-contract with him is invalid.