How African teens are duped into dubious football contracts in Asia

A common misconception is that the exploitation of young footballers is a problem solely connected to the big leagues of Europe. The reality is that African teenagers are sold dreams of playing professional football all over the world.

A report from the BBC explains how young players as young as 14 years old ended up in Laos – far from the bright lights of the UEFA Champions League. The case is an obvious example of how FIFA’s Article 19, which in part states that, “international transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18.” is often ignored and how fake academies exploit young players and their families.

The report explains how underage boys traveled from Liberia to Laos with the promise of a professional contract with one of the country’s top clubs, Champasak United. One boy alleged that his teammates had not received contracts to play for the club. The conditions for the players were described as “like slave work”.

The Laotian club denied any wrongdoing and after pressure from FIFA and FIFPro, the international football player’s union, released 17 teenagers from the original party. Demonstrating the complexity underlying many trafficking issues, six minors chose to remain in Laos.

Read and watch the BBC report by clicking here.