Wolves release statement after academy player involved in viral England camp fight footage

Wolves have released a statement after footage involving one of the club’s academy players in a fight during an England youth camp went viral online.

A 58-second clip, which emerged online earlier this week, shows two boys exchanging punches and kicks in a hotel room.

The Football Association has confirmed the footage is genuine and was filmed during an England Under-16s camp in Turkey in October 2025. The video, which was recorded by team-mates, has resurfaced in recent days and attracted millions of views.

One of the players involved is a Wolves academy player. The club said it is satisfied the footage captures only “part of a much broader sequence of events” and “does not reflect the full circumstances surrounding the incident”.

Wolves said the youngster had been “subjected to repeated behaviour that caused him significant distress” before the altercation.

The club also said it was disappointed by those continuing to share the footage and condemned attempts to identify, threaten and abuse the young player. It added that instances of abuse and threats had been reported to police.

Wolves said they would continue to support the academy player involved.

Academy director Jonathan Hunter-Barrett said: “Whilst the academy does not condone violence under any circumstances, it is important to recognise that this footage captures only the final moments of a much longer sequence of events.

“It does not reflect the repeated behaviour this young player had been subjected to, the significant distress he had experienced beforehand, or the circumstances that led to the incident.

“Those of us who know this young man understand that the footage is not an accurate reflection of either his character or the circumstances he found himself in. He is respectful, humble and has consistently demonstrated the standards and values we expect from our academy players, earning the respect of both staff and teammates through the way he conducts himself every day.

“Like all young people, academy players learn and develop through both positive and difficult experiences. We are incredibly proud of the person he is today, and of the way he has responded to this distressing incident and the subsequent attention it has received, both when the footage first emerged in 2025 and again in recent days.

“This has been an extremely difficult period for him and his family. Our priority is their welfare, and we will continue to provide them with the care and support they need.

“We would also encourage people to consider the impact of sharing and commenting on footage involving minors and young people. Behind every video is a person and a family, and their wellbeing should always be at the forefront of our minds.

“As a club, we do not tolerate bullying, intimidation or abuse in any form. Supporting and protecting the welfare of our young people will always be our priority, and our commitment is to continue supporting young players in their development, both as footballers and, more importantly, as people.”

The footage from the camp shows the two players fighting in a hotel room while several others film the incident and encourage them.

The FA said the matter had already been dealt with internally and that no further action would be taken.