Super Eagles of Nigeria and Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, who is on the verge of making a switch to Leicester City, is facing legal problems in the US after allegations were made against him that he may have misled a court in Pennsylvania.
The 20-year-old is being dragged into a legal battle by his previous representatives, American-based First Eleven Management, after pulling out of a contract with them two years ago to sign with Stellar.
The football star is said to have filed pleadings denying that he knew or spent time with Henry Galeano, who on his on claims said he is his former agent.
The Nigerian also claimed he believed Galeano was an alias used by First Eleven Management co-owner Robert Zanicky. But the football agent was the company’s registered Fifa-licensed agent.
According to the Sun UK, SunSport and the American court have been handed a series of photos and documents that will require an explanation from the Nigerian international.
The crucial legal question for Iheanacho, according to the report, will be if the young star did more than merely meet Galeano or happened to be with him on occasions. It certainly seems clear they at least met.
Meanwhile, below are photographs of Iheanacho with Galeano obtained by SunSport
1. In Minneapolis during Manchester City’s 2014 pre-season tour.
2. In Columbus, while training with MLS club Columbus Crew that same year.
3. In New Zealand in 2015 while representing Nigeria at the Under-20 World Cup.
4. At the Etihad Stadium while signing a new contract with Manchester City after he turned 18.
In his court affidavit, Galeano said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Iheanacho and I have spent hundreds of hours together.”
He also added: “Robert Zanicky never used my name as an alias.”
Galeano claims he became Iheanacho’s official Fifa-licensed agent in July 2013 after both men signed a Representative Agreement.
The legal battle is also reported to be a bit complicated because Galeano in the signed and sworn affidavit submitted to the court, claims he spent “hundreds of hours” with the player.
Under Pennsylvania Law, if it is found Iheanacho knowingly tried to mislead the court, he could be charged with unsworn falsification which, if found guilty, carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
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