Karim Adeyemi issues statement on ‘mystery box’ that led to illegal weapons conviction

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Borussia Dortmund and German national team attacker Karim Adeyemi has issued a public statement on his recently revealed conviction on illegal weapons charges. Adeyemi’s defense – as intimated by DFB boss Rudi Völler in his comments on the matter – was that he ordered a so-called “mystery box” off the internet. 

“At the beginning of 2024, out of carelessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called ‘mystery box’ on the internet,” Adeyemi’s statement began. “Many months later, the package was delivered and ended up unopened at the police station. It was still a huge mistake. One that I am very sorry for, that has cost me a lot and that I deeply regret.

“I know that I am in the public eye and must function as a role model,” the statement continues. “I did not live up to that standard. That’s exactly why it hurts me even more that I acted so recklessly. I have learned more from this 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.”

Völler was quick to emphasize that Adeyemi’s misconduct was unrelated to his dealings with the German national team. BVB sporting director Lars Ricken echoed similar sentiments in his own Wednesday-released statement. Völler suggested that – having received a stern-talking to and already being forced to pay legal fines – Adeyemi would face no further sanction from the DFB. 

Ricken and Völler have confirmed that there would be no further fines. Adeyemi will simply engage in some extra community service work for BVB via some more scheduled visits to a local charity that focuses on teaching local youths.  

“We naturally took the matter very seriously and he [Karim] regrets his mistake,” Ricken is quoted as saying: “It should still be noted that he already had to pay an expensive fine, no one was harmed, and the player still has no criminal record. We trust him to stick to his promises.”

GGFN | Peter Weis