What we know: Peter Odemwingie to Sue Sky Sports, West Brom, QPR Over 2013 Transfer Debacle

Peter Osaze Odemwingie, the erstwhile Super Eagles forward, is reportedly gearing up to initiate legal proceedings against Sky Sports, West Bromwich Albion, and Queens Park Rangers. This action stems from the controversial circumstances surrounding his aborted transfer to QPR in January 2013.

According to a report by The Sun, the 45-year-old former striker revealed his intention to consult a lawyer next week. His grievance centers on the continuous replaying of footage from that infamous transfer deadline-day episode, which saw him arrive at QPR’s Loftus Road, convinced that a move from West Brom had been finalized.

Odemwingie expressed his frustrations on Instagram, stating, “Sky Sports agents and employees of both clubs, West Brom and QPR, definitely have questions to answer, and I will be seeing a lawyer next week to make it official.” He further questioned the broadcaster's persistent use of the footage, which has become a widely recognized moment in Premier League transfer deadline day history.

“From simply a human side of it @SkySportsFootball, what is the motive/intention to show this episode on and on for so many years?” he wrote, adding, “The least will be lack or absence of respect in my opinion.” In an accompanying video, Odemwingie accused Sky Sports of repeatedly exploiting the incident. He remarked, “The problem about this whole story is that nobody is interested in the truth. They just want to be distracted. Sky Sports milked this situation for so many years. I think it’s just wickedness really.”

The former Nigeria international also provided his version of events regarding his journey to Loftus Road, claiming his agent at the time, Barry McIntosh, had assured him the transfer was secured. “Barry McIntosh told me it was all sorted. His car was in front of mine and we were driving,” Odemwingie recounted.

Ultimately, the proposed transfer collapsed as West Brom and QPR failed to reach an agreement on a transfer fee before the 11 pm deadline. This turn of events meant Odemwingie remained with West Brom for the remainder of the 2012/13 season.

Odemwingie also made unverified allegations that his agent had connections with Sky Sports and raised questions about the roles played by the broadcaster and both clubs in the events leading up to the failed transfer. These claims have not been independently verified. He additionally criticized QPR for auctioning a shirt that had been prepared in anticipation of his arrival at the club.

Following the deadline-day incident, Odemwingie faced disciplinary action from West Brom for appearing outside QPR’s stadium expecting the transfer to be completed. He eventually departed West Brom for Cardiff City in September 2013, later joining Stoke City the following year. His career also included stints at Bristol City and Rotherham before he concluded his playing days with Indonesian club Madura United in 2017.

Sky Sports, West Brom, and QPR have all been contacted for their comments regarding Odemwingie’s recent claims.