Dortmund back Adeyemi as Kovac rules out sporting sanctions after weapons case fine

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac says Karim Adeyemi will not face internal sporting punishment after the Germany international was fined for attempting to illegally obtain a prohibited weapon, Sport360NG reports.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Kovac confirmed that the club had addressed the matter with the winger and concluded that community service would be an appropriate response. He stressed that the off-field issue would not impact Adeyemi’s role in the squad.

“It is no reason for me to ban him for the next few weeks,” Kovac said, noting that discussions with the 22-year-old had been constructive.

According to reports, Adeyemi had ordered an online “mystery box” earlier in 2024 without knowing it contained items restricted under German weapons regulations. The parcel, delivered months later and left unopened, was flagged to authorities, resulting in a significant financial penalty.

“I am not his father, but his coach,” Kovac added. “People should put things into perspective. Everything has been clarified. Our focus is on the Bundesliga, and he will have our full support.”

Dortmund face VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, having suffered four consecutive league defeats to the side from south-west Germany.

“I understand why the topic is being discussed now,” Kovac said. “The best response is to go out and win the game.”