Nigerian footballer, 20-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho, who is speculated to be going to Leicester City this season, might be facing a two years jail sentence in U.S following the accusation that he mislead a Pennsylvanian court.
Kelechi Iheanacho, who was dragged to court by previous representatives, American-based First Eleven Management, but pulled out of a contract with them two years ago to sign with Stellar, filed pleadings denying that he knew or spent time with Henry Galeano, who on his on claims said he is his former agent.
According to him, he thought 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.
However the American court has been handed photos and documents which suggested the Nigerian striker met Galeano on many occasions.
According to SUN UK, the crucial legal question for Iheanacho, 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.
Here 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.
