Adeyemi: I regret illegally possessing weapons; promising not to do it again

Following a turbulent few days surrounding a penalty order against Karim Adeyemi for illegal possession of weapons, Borussia Dortmund officials held a meeting with the player on Wednesday morning after his return from international duty. 

Managing Director Lars Ricken, Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl, and the striker sat down together before training and spoke "at length and clearly about his behavior," as Ricken emphasized in a statement.

Adeyemi had already received a penalty order at the end of October for illegal possession of weapons and was sentenced to a total fine of €450,000 – a fact that only became public around two weeks later.

No further fine

"We took the matter very seriously, of course," Ricken is quoted as saying. "He deeply regrets his mistake." However, it should also be taken into account "that he had to pay a hefty fine, no one was harmed, and the player will continue to have no criminal record." Adeyemi has firmly promised not to make such a mistake again: "We trust him to keep his word."

According to kicker, the striker will not receive another fine from the club, but will instead perform community service following a joint agreement between Ricken and DFB sporting director Rudi Völler. Adeyemi will visit the Dortmund North City League and participate in training sessions with the children there. The social project is closely linked to the BVB Foundation "Leuchte auf" (Shine On).

The player also spoke out for the first time, explaining: "At the beginning of 2024, out of recklessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called 'Mystery Box' online. It contained items that are illegal weapons. Many months later, the package was delivered and ended up unopened at the police station." He added, "That was still a huge mistake. One that I deeply regret, that cost me dearly, and that I remorse deeply."

Adeyemi continued: "I know that I'm in the public eye and have a responsibility to be a role model. I didn't live up to that. That's precisely why it hurts me so much that I acted so recklessly. I've learned from this, more than I can put into words. And I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future. Thank you to everyone who still trusts and supports me."