Akpoborie ban lifted

Akpoborie's career is slowly returning to normal

Bundesliga side Vfl Wolfsburg have lifted their suspension on Nigerian international Jonathan Akpoborie over allegations he was connected with child slavery.

Akpoborie was suspended by the German club after it emerged he was the owner of a ship used to transport child slaves off the coast of west Africa.

But Wolfsburg have now allowed Akpoborie to resume training pending the outcome of an investigation into his role in the case.

A ship co-owned by Akpoborie, the 'Etireno', docked in Cotonou, Benin, in April with 43 children aboard.

Investigators said they believed the children were destined for slavery on plantations in west Africa.

The 32-year-old international has protested his innocence throughout the case, saying he knew nothing about the ship's cargo.

Documents

He was suspended by the club and returned to West Africa to gather evidence to clear his name.

Wolfsburg demanded documents from Akpoborie to help them investigate and the player has co-operated.

The documents will be sent to independent examiners who are likely to report back to the club within four weeks.

Akpoborie will be allowed to resume training in the interim, the club said.

Wolfsburg's decision follows press reports earlier this week stating Akpoborie was considering legal action against the club if his contract was terminated.