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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nick Ames

Didier Drogba takes on scourge of ‘fake agents’ scamming African players

Didier Drogba at Le Mans
Didier Drogba’s foundation are partnered with Fifpro and the International Labour Organization to raise awareness of fake agents. Photograph: Damien Saulnier/DPPI/Shutterstock

Didier Drogba has warned of the “nightmare” facing scores of young African footballers who are scammed by fake agents promising them successful careers in Europe and elsewhere. The scourge of unscrupulous individuals who take money from youngsters and their families in return for opportunities that fail to materialise, sometimes placing them in grave danger as a result, is especially rife in developing countries.

A survey from Fifpro, the global players’ union, has laid bare the extent of the problem and Fifpro has partnered with Drogba’s foundation and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to raise awareness and help players avoid falling victim in future. “The dream ends up being a nightmare for these young people,” Drogba said.

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