Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
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Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
Didier Drogba: ‘Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking’
Story by Oliver Young-Myles • 13h ago
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer ... rent&ei=17
Didier Drogba has compared the exploitation of young African footballers by “fake agents” to human trafficking and urged European football to help end a practice that is leaving people stranded and homeless.
The issue of shady figures claiming to be football agents to trick young players from African countries into handing over money on the promise of trials or contracts at European clubs has been a blight on the global game for several years but has gained little traction publicly.
Now, former Chelsea striker Drogba, who was an Ivory Coast international, and former team-mate Geremi, who played more than 100 times for Cameroon, are working with Fifpro, the global players’ union, to tackle the issue.
“[As] Young players you have a dream, you are inspired by the Premier League, by the Bundesliga or Serie A, you want to follow in the footsteps of those great African players who play in Europe,” Drogba said.
“Those young people unfortunately get scammed by would-be agents. Or real agents who scam them, telling them you’re going to have a great career, but at the end of the day, the dream ends up being a nightmare for these young people. You are being scammed, you are being fooled. It’s a swindle.”
He added: “It’s like smugglers, human traffickers, it’s the same principle. You push people to take a makeshift boat across the Mediterranean Sea and these poor people end up risking and losing their lives. There is such hope generated by this departure, but they don’t know what might be hidden behind this false promise.”
Geremi was one of the continent’s success stories, leaving for Europe and winning La Liga and the Champions League twice in Spain at Real Madrid before moving to Chelsea and twice lifting the Premier League trophy in England. But he also experienced the darker side of being a young footballer in Africa.
“It’s true that I met a dishonest person,” Geremi, now Fifpro’s Africa President, said. “He was offering me the moon and it sounded very appealing to be offered a contract in Europe.
“I’d always dreamt of having a career in Europe. But it turned out to be a very difficult experience for me because this person had not organised my departure very well. Nobody expected us when I arrived in Europe.”
Geremi believes the problem is exacerbated by the players wanting “to break away from poverty” and not only earn money for themselves but “to help out our family back in Africa”. The families of players can hand over between £4,300 and £8,600 in order to secure fake meetings at clubs.
“Fifpro has heard many stories about players being approached by people pretending to be agents that promise to arrange a trial or a contract with a new club,” a Fifpro statement said. “Often that club is said to be located abroad, and they paint a picture of a successful future with the player becoming rich and famous.
“The reality is less glamorous. There is no trial, there is no contract with a club, and these players end up losing a substantial amount of money to these ‘fake agents’. In some of the worst cases players find themselves stranded abroad, without money to return home.”
The “fake agents” campaign, also run in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, launches today and initially aims to educate young people and their families in Africa about the dangers. In the long-term, Drogba hopes that the leagues and facilities in Africa are developed enough to offer realistic opportunities to be a professional footballer at home.
“My view is Europe bears part of the responsibility,” Drogba said. “I’m not here to name and shame I’m here to work on solutions. Part of the responsibility lies with Africa as well.”
He pointed to the work of the NBA, which has funded a basketball league in Africa from which American teams now recruit players. “This is a good practice we could get inspiration from.”
He added: “Geremi and myself are exceptions. Many hopefuls from Africa will never play for Real Madrid or Manchester United. What is to become of them? They have a right of making a living out of playing football in Africa.”
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not be in want.
Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
I am surprised no one has any comments on this given how many young Nigerian players have been victims of fake agents. Kudos to Drogba for shining the light on this.
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not be in want.
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
This has been going on for a while.
WHAT SHALL BE SHALL BE SABI
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
You people are wicked sha! Making this Uncle cry that no one wants to respond to his thread more than 24 hours after he posted it. Please guys, lets support him.
"it is better to be excited now and disappointed later, than it is to be disappointed now and later." - Marcus Aurelius, 178AD
metalalloy wrote: Does the SE have Gray, Mahrez or Albrighton on our team or players of their caliber?
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
mods we need toban danfo, the beatings uncle 1naija has received no be small..chei..I have serious empathy for him nowdanfo driver wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 3:19 pmYou people are wicked sha! Making this Uncle cry that no one wants to respond to his thread more than 24 hours after he posted it. Please guys, lets support him.
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
You are fooling yourself.
Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 5:51 pmmods we need toban danfo, the beatings uncle 1naija has received no be small..chei..I have serious empathy for him nowdanfo driver wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 3:19 pmYou people are wicked sha! Making this Uncle cry that no one wants to respond to his thread more than 24 hours after he posted it. Please guys, lets support him.
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
I do not understand your response. face danfo and be a man.1naija wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 6:13 pm You are fooling yourself.
Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 5:51 pmmods we need toban danfo, the beatings uncle 1naija has received no be small..chei..I have serious empathy for him nowdanfo driver wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 3:19 pmYou people are wicked sha! Making this Uncle cry that no one wants to respond to his thread more than 24 hours after he posted it. Please guys, lets support him.
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
so your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
According to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
isn't that fraud? so a fraudster, is upset he was "got" by another fraudster?Lolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 9:40 pmAccording to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
A fraudster hired to drive the supporter of a genocidal murderer. Anyone who knows LollyPop, knows that this is a man who surrounds himself with criminals. Liars, thieves and killers. What do they say about birds of the same feathers?Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 10:42 pmisn't that fraud? so a fraudster, is upset he was "got" by another fraudster?Lolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 9:40 pmAccording to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
"it is better to be excited now and disappointed later, than it is to be disappointed now and later." - Marcus Aurelius, 178AD
metalalloy wrote: Does the SE have Gray, Mahrez or Albrighton on our team or players of their caliber?
Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
ODOO….Overtake Don Overtake OvertakeBigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 10:42 pmisn't that fraud? so a fraudster, is upset he was "got" by another fraudster?Lolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 9:40 pmAccording to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
Ara lao mada o, ao ni daran.
Arambara!
Ohamadike of Ijebu Igbo in Biafra land
I am a cat face yorobber son of Afonja skull miner!
Arambara!
Ohamadike of Ijebu Igbo in Biafra land
I am a cat face yorobber son of Afonja skull miner!
Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
He is not stealing anyones money, though he is committing a crime too. Satisfied?Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 10:42 pmisn't that fraud? so a fraudster, is upset he was "got" by another fraudster?Lolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 9:40 pmAccording to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
small small e don dey acceptLolly wrote: ↑Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:38 pmHe is not stealing anyones money, though he is committing a crime too. Satisfied?Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 10:42 pmisn't that fraud? so a fraudster, is upset he was "got" by another fraudster?Lolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 9:40 pmAccording to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
He is not stealing anyone's money. This is the problem with you guys, your thinking is so narrow and you cant think outside the box. You are just like Akamoke in the Musa thread.
Your thieving driver may not be directly stealing money from someone, but he is falsifying his age, in order to get a slot in a team. A slot that should have gone to someone else who is deserving -- and the benefits from that slot (money) should have gone to someone else who has worked hard and who did not lie about his age.
Same way your mass murderer didnt pull the trigger, but gave the orders for the children to be slaughtered at the Lekki toll gate, gave the order for the students at Ife to be murdered in the 1980s. Of course, he committed genocide directly in the late 60s when he murdered Igbos and then bragged about it.
https://guardian.ng/news/nigerians-slam ... nt-tweets/Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.
It was so callous and shameful that Twitter deleted the tweet of a sitting president.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57336571
"it is better to be excited now and disappointed later, than it is to be disappointed now and later." - Marcus Aurelius, 178AD
metalalloy wrote: Does the SE have Gray, Mahrez or Albrighton on our team or players of their caliber?
Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
You act and write like someone still in their diapers. Ndo.danfo driver wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:13 amsmall small e don dey acceptLolly wrote: ↑Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:38 pmHe is not stealing anyones money, though he is committing a crime too. Satisfied?Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 10:42 pmisn't that fraud? so a fraudster, is upset he was "got" by another fraudster?Lolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 9:40 pmAccording to him, 99% of Nigerian footballers falsify their ages. There is actually a known business where people could have their date of birth on their passport “amended” in Abuja.Bigpokey24 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:35 pmso your ex driver who wanted to defraud others by changing his age is innocent? smhLolly wrote: ↑Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:24 pm This has been going on for years. An ex-driver of mine was defrauded by one of such agents who promised to help him reduce his age on his passport but ran off with almost $1,000 in total, money the poor buy raised by borrowing from his sister and some relatives. The agent has disappeared from the face of the earth after scamming a lot of aspiring footballers.
He is not stealing anyone's money. This is the problem with you guys, your thinking is so narrow and you cant think outside the box. You are just like Akamoke in the Musa thread.
Your thieving driver may not be directly stealing money from someone, but he is falsifying his age, in order to get a slot in a team. A slot that should have gone to someone else who is deserving -- and the benefits from that slot (money) should have gone to someone else who has worked hard and who did not lie about his age.
Same way your mass murderer didnt pull the trigger, but gave the orders for the children to be slaughtered at the Lekki toll gate, gave the order for the students at Ife to be murdered in the 1980s. Of course, he committed genocide directly in the late 60s when he murdered Igbos and then bragged about it.
https://guardian.ng/news/nigerians-slam ... nt-tweets/Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.
It was so callous and shameful that Twitter deleted the tweet of a sitting president.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57336571
Your post is full of falsehood yet you are judging others for falsifying their ages. You are a nutcase.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
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Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
Your driver committed fraud - true or false?
Buhari was in the Nigerian army that committed genocide in the civil war - true or false?
Buhari gave the order to murder the students at Ife - true or false?
Buhari gave the order to murder the children at the Lekki toll gate - true or false?
Buhari went on twitter and made that post i posted - true or false?
Buhari's twitter post was deleted by twitter - true or false?
You surround yourself with fraudsters, thieves and murderers - true or false?
It will never be well with you - true or false?
"it is better to be excited now and disappointed later, than it is to be disappointed now and later." - Marcus Aurelius, 178AD
metalalloy wrote: Does the SE have Gray, Mahrez or Albrighton on our team or players of their caliber?
Re: Fake agents are scamming young African players – it’s human trafficking
Danfo , you mental