CAF steps up the fight against player trafficking in Africa

• CAF takes massive steps towards the fight against Player Trafficking in Africa
• Safeguarding focal points of all Member Associations and Zonal join the initiative aiming to raise awareness on the topic of Fake Agents and more
• Key preventative measures designed to assist Member Associations in protecting players

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) took a massive step towards the fight and combating of Player Trafficking, after the governing body of African football collaborated with Mission 89 to conduct Safeguarding and Anti-Player Trafficking Workshops with all its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions.

In collaboration with Mission 89, an internationally recognized research, education, and advocacy organisation that fights the exploitation of young athletes through social and economic transformation programmes, CAF’s Member Associations were taken through key preventative measures for fighting Player Trafficking in Africa.

The two-day workshops, which were successfully held on 27 and 29 March, shared topics such as Understanding Player Trafficking, Legal and Ethical Considerations, Safeguarding Protocols, Role of Stakeholders, as well as Community Engagement and Awareness with the Member Associations.

Speaking on the important step taken by CAF on the sensitive subject of Anti-Player Trafficking, CAF’s Director of Member Associations, Sarah Mukuna said as the leading voice of African football, which is the biggest sport on the continent, it was crucial that CAF leads such initiatives for the future of the African game.

“The importance of taking a strong stance against Trafficking of young African footballers can never be over-emphasised. As the leading voice of African football, a sport played by all 54 African countries, it is important that CAF spearheads such workshops to ensure that all our Member Associations are well-equipped and knowledgeable about the subject and how to identify and prevent it from happening,” said Mukuna.

CAF Safeguarding programme was launched in 2022, through which Safeguarding focal points were appointed across CAF’s 54 Member Associations to oversee amongst other aspects, the safety and well-being of young African footballers.

The CAF Member Associations division continues to roll out impactful programmes and initiatives designed to complement the ever-growing standard of football in Africa.

For more information on other initiatives conducted by the CAF across the continent – CLICK HERE