In a landmark gathering at the European Parliament, Mission 89 convened European policymakers, international sports bodies, and trafficking survivors to confront a crisis that affects thousands of young athletes each year: child trafficking in, through, and around sport.

The high-level roundtable, “Sport and Child Trafficking: Policy Responses and Stakeholder Dialogue in the EU Context,” marked a critical turning point in how Europe addresses exploitation schemes that prey on children’s dreams of sporting success. 

Hosted by MEP Hilde Vautmans, Vice-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights, and organised in partnership with United Through Sports, the event also brought together voices that have historically been absent from policy debates: athletes. The dialogue aimed to translate evidence, lived experience, and political responsibility into concrete, rights-based solutions. 

Professional footballer Katriina Talaslahti spoke candidly about the vulnerabilities young athletes face when competing abroad, including language barriers that isolate them, complex contracts impossible to understand, and visa situations that create fear of speaking out. Young leaders from United Through Sports reinforced these lived experiences, ensuring that policy discussions remained grounded in the reality of those most at risk.

“Every year, thousands of young people chasing their sporting dreams fall victim to trafficking schemes,” said Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89. “We have the legal frameworks. We have the evidence. What we need now is the political will to implement protections that work, and that means sports federations, governments, and civil society working together, not in silos.”

The EU Policy Perspective:

During a keynote address, the EU’s anti-trafficking coordinator, Diane Schmitt, highlighted both the upcoming challenges and the existing resources available to tackle the issue. She noted that while the revised EU anti-trafficking framework has improved overall data collection, significant evidence gaps in sports still hinder effective, targeted interventions. To succeed, she stressed that any response must be grounded in solid evidence.

Schmitt emphasised that while the revised EU anti-trafficking framework has strengthened overall data collection, evidence gaps specific to sport continue to undermine targeted interventions. “We don’t need new laws,” Schmitt stated. “We need investment in what actually protects children: effective implementation, cross-border cooperation, financial investigations, and holding perpetrators accountable.”

Sports Governance Steps Up

Chaired and moderated by Laurent M.J. De Boeck, institutional perspectives focused on operational prevention and humanitarian engagement, whilst civil society voices looked at victim support and grassroots community-based initiatives.

Marie-Laure Lemineur, Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection at FIFA, outlined the dual responsibility of international sports federations: creating safer, more regulated environments to reduce risk, and establishing robust sanctioning mechanisms when violations occur.

FIFA’s licensed agent system serves as a critical safeguard, complemented by the Ethical Recruitment Guide for Football Agents, a 2024 publication developed in collaboration with Mission 89. Notably, sport carries its own sanctioning power, operating alongside state justice systems, giving the sector unique leverage to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future abuses.

From Dialogue to Action

Participants identified urgent priorities: strengthening data collection, improving victim identification practices, and integrating sport-specific indicators into national referral mechanisms. Critically, all stakeholders agreed that prevention must be transnational and require multi-stakeholder coordination.

The roundtable has initiated a formal stakeholder consultation process to refine the United Declaration, a global framework for combating trafficking in sport, ahead of its international launch.

“Dialogue means nothing without action,” Bright reminded attendees in her closing remarks. “The real test lies in whether today’s commitments translate into sustained, measurable change for vulnerable young athletes.”

Call to Action

Mission 89 calls on:

• Governments to integrate sport-specific trafficking indicators into national referral mechanisms and fund cross-border enforcement.
• Sports federations and clubs to implement robust safeguarding systems, transparent contracts, and athlete support mechanisms.
• Academies and agents to adopt ethical recruitment standards and provide accessible, multilingual information to young athletes.
• The international community should recognise sport-related trafficking as a priority within broader anti-trafficking frameworks.

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At the recent General Assembly of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), Julia Govinden, the Chief Executive Officer of United Through Sports, urged the global sports community to unite for a concerted effort to protect children and young athletes from the serious threats of exploitation and trafficking. 

Ms. Govinden also unveiled a strategic partnership between Mission 89 and United Through Sports for “The Line We Don’t Cross”, a global campaign dedicated to eliminating child trafficking connected to sport.

In her address, she underscored the critical importance of establishing safe environments and implementing protective measures that prioritise the welfare of these vulnerable individuals. Her message reinforced the need for collaboration in the sports sector to ensure that the rights and safety of young athletes are vigorously upheld and defended against these alarming challenges.

Central to the campaign is the United Declaration on the Elimination of Child Trafficking in, through and around Sport, which establishes sport’s collective responsibility to uphold human rights and safeguard young athletes.

The campaign aims to secure 300 signatories worldwide, a powerful statement that the sports industry will no longer tolerate exploitation.

Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, underscored the urgency of the initiative: “Children account for 38% of identified trafficking victims globally, with 11% lured through false promises. These aren’t just statistics, they represent children whose dreams of athletic success are weaponized into channels for exploitation and abuse. This Declaration represents our collective refusal to allow sport, a $1.4 trillion global industry, continue operating with inadequate safeguarding systems. Every signature is a commitment to action, accountability, and lasting change.”

A comprehensive stakeholder consultation process is now underway, with international sports federations among the first invited to participate. Throughout the remainder of 2025, consultations will expand to include young athletes, intergovernmental organisations, government agencies, agent associations, professional clubs and academies, civil society groups, and corporate sponsors.

Stephan Fox, President of AIMS, emphasised the unique challenges facing the alliance’s 96 member federations: “With only 40 federations currently part of the Olympic program, many of our members face significant resource constraints. Our approach to safeguarding must therefore be both realistic and resolute; we must protect while also giving hope.”

“Policy frameworks cannot remain on paper; they must be enforced with accountability and grounded in the realities our federations face. Mission 89, with UTS support, is taking unprecedented steps to protect young athletes with integrity, dedication, and good governance. It is our shared duty to support this work as we build a safer, more inclusive sporting world,” he stated.

Why Participate?

Participation in this initiative demonstrates leadership and a genuine commitment to safeguarding in sport. It strengthens trust, transparency, and credibility across the sporting ecosystem while unifying the global sports community around a critical humanitarian cause.

Mission 89 and United Through Sports invite all members, partners, and stakeholders to participate in the consultation process and sign the declaration. Together, we can ensure that every athlete, everywhere, can pursue their dreams in safety and dignity.

The line has been drawn. Which side of history will you stand on?

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The high-level side event, titled “Safeguarding Women in Sport: Global Action Against Trafficking and Exploitation,” was hosted by Mission 89, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta, and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica.

As a multi-billion-dollar global industry with transformative potential for youth development and gender equality, sport is also increasingly being exploited by transnational trafficking networks.

According to the 2024 UN Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, women and children make up the majority of identified victims, and there is a disturbing upward trend in trafficking cases linked to athletic recruitment, particularly in the Global South. The UN General Assembly’s Resolution 78/228 also echoed concern about this phenomenon, citing the need to improve coordination, data collection, and policy action across sport and migration systems.

A key highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking, a groundbreaking study co-produced by Mission 89, Loughborough University, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK.

The report provides the first globally recognised definition of sport trafficking aligned with the Palermo Protocol and offers a detailed analytical framework for governments, sport federations, and human rights institutions to identify, prevent, and respond to trafficking practices.

One of the most compelling aspects of the event was the inclusion of athletes whose lived experiences added depth and urgency to the conversation. Nigerian international and Al-Ittihad centre-back Ashleigh Plumptre shared her insights on the pressures faced by female footballers navigating contracts, migration, and power imbalances. Finnish goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti, currently with Dijon FCO, underscored the need for international safeguarding systems, noting that women often face vulnerabilities that aren’t just physical, but systemic.

The keynote address, delivered by H.E. Professor Michel Veuthey of the Sovereign Order of Malta, emphasised the urgent need for cross-border cooperation and data-sharing frameworks to detect and prevent exploitation in transnational sporting contexts.

Key interventions were delivered by Dr. Marie-Laure Lemineur, Head of Safeguarding at FIFA, who presented FIFA’s latest safeguarding strategies and emphasised the role of federations in implementing athlete-centred protection. Others are Hon. Jared Okelo, Member of Parliament (Kenya), who called for legislative alignment between sport governance and national anti-trafficking laws and Ms. Céline Moreau, legal expert and former ILO officer.

With Switzerland preparing to host the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in July, the side event provided a timely opportunity to engage stakeholders, spotlight vulnerabilities before a major women’s tournament, and build momentum for policy reform. The conveners called for immediate efforts to scale up public awareness campaigns like Mission 89’s #NotInOurGame, enhance legal identity protocols for athlete migration, and strengthen institutional safeguards through interagency cooperation.

The event successfully fulfilled its core objectives: raising awareness, fostering cross-sector dialogue, and proposing concrete next steps to tackle trafficking in sport. Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, affirmed in her closing remarks: “Safeguarding women and girls in sport is not a side issue, as it is central to the future of sport as a force for good. With the tools, testimonies, and political will showcased today, we have the power to change the game.”

Download the Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking
[here]

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The latest announcement marks a significant step in advancing the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting ethical practices in sports globally. The newly appointed board members bring a wealth of expertise spanning law, migration policy, athlete safety, and sustainable development:

Fabien Aepli (Switzerland): Co-founder of MANGEAT law firm, Mr. Aepli is a renowned specialist in banking, finance, and corporate law. His legal acumen will reinforce Mission 89’s advocacy for robust regulatory frameworks and accountability within the sports industry.

Laurent M.J. de Boeck (Belgium): With over 28 years of leadership experience at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Mr. de Boeck is a respected authority in migration policy. His insights will be invaluable in addressing the cross-border challenges of child trafficking in sports.

Julia Govinden (United Kingdom): As CEO of United Through Sports and an expert in athlete safety and psychology, Ms. Govinden is recognised for her dedication to athlete welfare. Her expertise will guide Mission 89’s efforts to develop educational and safeguarding programs for vulnerable youth.

H.E. Keisha Aniya McGuire (Grenada): The former Ambassador of Grenada to the United Nations, Ms. McGuire is a leader in sustainable development and international diplomacy. Her global perspective will support Mission 89’s mission to influence policy and foster international collaboration.

“We are honoured to welcome such an accomplished and diverse group of leaders to our Board”, Lerina Bright, Executive Director, Mission 89. “Each person brings a remarkable track record of dedication and expertise—from advancing legal frameworks and migration policies to championing athlete welfare and sustainable development. Their collective experience and passion will be instrumental as we deepen our commitment to protecting vulnerable young athletes worldwide. Together, we look forward to driving meaningful change, strengthening global partnerships, and ensuring that every child’s right to a safe and nurturing sporting environment is upheld.”

This also builds on the appointment of Jaco Booyens as Special Envoy for Strategic Relations, who will represent Mission 89’s interests with key government stakeholders and anti-trafficking entities globally, with particular emphasis on US engagement regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup initiatives. Booyens is renowned for his extensive work as an anti-human trafficking activist, filmmaker, speaker, and entrepreneur. His commitment to combating human trafficking began in 2001 after his younger sister survived being trafficked, a pivotal event that propelled him into advocacy and public awareness efforts.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time as Mission 89 expands its research and advocacy to combat the exploitation of young athletes, particularly those trafficked from Africa and Asia to Europe under false promises of sporting success.

Mission 89’s guiding principles are rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and FIFA’s Article 19, advocating for the enforcement of international standards to prevent the illicit transfer and exploitation of minors in sport. Through research, education, and collaboration with global partners, Mission 89 continues to lead the fight against child trafficking and exploitation in sport.

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Amina Adji, the Programs Manager, and Aerin McQuillen, a Research Intern at Mission 89, presented important insights from the Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking to Dr. Atencio’s Social Justice in Kinesiology class. The conversations illuminated the frequently neglected issue of human trafficking in sports, highlighting the individuals who fall victim to exploitation within this global industry.

Exposing a Hidden Crisis

Amina and Aerin’s presentation illuminated the issue of sports trafficking—an ever-present yet largely unseen challenge. Their aim was to educate and empower students to take action against this form of exploitation.

The session began with a clear and comprehensive definition of sports trafficking, as outlined in the Global Thematic Report. Sports trafficking takes place when individuals are recruited, transported, and exploited through deception, coercion, or abuse within and around the sports industry.

The facilitators pinpointed several systemic issues that allow sports trafficking to continue:

Lack of oversight and regulation – Weak governance in global sports provides traffickers with opportunities to prey on vulnerable athletes.
Ineffective border policies and poor victim detection – Many victims slip through the cracks due to insufficient protections.
Gaps in research and media coverage – This underreported issue limits public awareness and hinders policy initiatives.
Expansion of women’s sports** – While this growth is positive, it has also heightened the risk of exploitation for female athletes.

Real-World Cases: A Stark Reality

The presenters illustrated these issues with real-life cases, some directly relevant to CSU East Bay students:

a. Track & Field – Athletes coerced into switching national allegiances under false pretences.

b. Baseball (Cuba & U.S.) – Smuggling syndicates facilitating illegal migration for financial gain.

c. Soccer (Nigeria & South Africa) – Fake academies promising European contracts but ultimately abandoning young players.

d. Basketball (U.S.) – Fraudulent schools exploiting student visas for profit.

e. Mega-Sporting Events (Bay Area) – Large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl linked to increased human trafficking activity.

Connecting to College Athletics

The discussion extended beyond traditional sports trafficking to examine another pressing social justice issue: exploitation in college athletics. While not classified as trafficking, the treatment of college athletes in the U.S. raises ethical concerns. Many student-athletes generate billions in revenue for universities and sports organizations, yet receive little financial benefit. This reality has sparked crucial debates about labor rights in college sports.

Mission 89’s Fight Against Sports Trafficking

Amina and Aerin also highlighted Mission 89’s ongoing efforts to combat sports trafficking through research, education, and advocacy. Key initiatives include:

a. Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) – Empowering students to raise awareness and advocate against trafficking.

b. Policy and Legal Reforms – Strengthening international regulations to better protect athletes from exploitation.

In addition to raising awareness about an issue that often goes unnoticed, it is delightful to foresee an involvement from more students in advocacy matters and research, and to consider the rise of new partnerships between universities and international organizations to extend the reach of the latter. Combating human trafficking is a duty we all share.

This event was a powerful reminder that sports trafficking is a global issue requiring urgent attention from all stakeholders. Amina and Aerin urged attendees to support initiatives like Mission 89, advocate for stronger policies, and spread awareness to help eradicate exploitation in sports.

As conversations around athlete rights continue to evolve, policymakers, sports organizations, and the public must recognize their collective responsibility in protecting vulnerable individuals from trafficking. The fight against sports trafficking is not just about safeguarding athletes—it is about ensuring integrity, fairness, and human dignity in the global sports landscape.

Mission 89 extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Atencio and the incredible student leaders at CSU East Bay for engaging in this critical dialogue and taking a stand for a more just and ethical sporting world.

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The webinar, attended by over 100 participants from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, underscored the global recognition of sport trafficking as a pressing issue. Speakers included high-profile representatives from international organisations such as FIFA, CAF, the United Nations, and prominent academic institutions, as survivor testimonies added a powerful human dimension to the discussions.

At the heart of the transformative event was the unveiling of the Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking, a comprehensive document meticulously designed to empower governments and organisations to confront the problem. By leveraging evidence-based analysis derived from the report, Mission 89 aims to provide insightful perspectives on the issue and offer action-oriented policy recommendations to drive meaningful change.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Michel Veuthey, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta stated, “How can we better prevent and combat human trafficking? We need a strong international legal framework, increased public awareness, and active engagement from law enforcement, judges and magistrates, researchers and academic institutions, the media, and the business community.”

Speakers at the webinar assessed policy gaps in United Nations conventions, African Union frameworks, and sports regulations, as well as weaknesses in agent regulations and sports academy licensing practices, and advocated for cross-border collaborations and support systems for vulnerable athletes.

Dr. Decius Hikabwa Chipande, Head of the African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Secrétariat: “Sports serves as a powerful vehicle for economic progress but is also exploited for other purposes. African Union is strongly committed to combat trafficking in the world of sports. In terms of region, on the African continent, irregular migration is a continental phenomenon affecting all african countries.”   

For more insights on the research findings, policy gaps and solutions, download the webinar report here. Mission 89 NFN Webinar Report

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Mission 89, the global research and advocacy organisation dedicated to combating child trafficking in sports and athlete protection, has announced the appointment of professional footballer and Nigerian international, Ashleigh Plumptre as a global ambassador. This strategic partnership underscores the organisation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding young athletes and upholding the integrity of football.

Ashleigh Plumptre, renowned for her defensive prowess and dedication to social justice, brings a compelling voice to Mission 89’s initiatives against exploitation in sports. Her extensive experience at the highest levels of professional football, alongside her passionate advocacy for ethical practices, positions her as an exemplary representative for this vital cause.

“Sport Trafficking is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders – government, advocates, leaders, professional athletes and policy makers”, stated Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89. “Ashleigh’s dedication to protecting vulnerable young athletes and her platform as an athlete will be instrumental in amplifying our message and reaching communities at risk.”

The collaboration will focus on several key initiatives, including highlighting the risks of trafficking in sports through targeted campaigns and community outreach; strengthening global alliances to bolster child protection in sports; implementing strategies to safeguard young athletes from exploitation; and informing families, communities and other stakeholders about safe recruitment practices and the dangers of unscrupulous agents.

“As a footballer, I have observed firsthand how aspirations can serve as both a source of hope and a potential vulnerability for young athletes,” remarked Ashleigh. “My experiences in professional sports have taught me that talent alone is insufficient; protection, education, and ethical pathways are vital components. Mission 89 represents more than just an organization to me; it signifies a platform for transforming the narrative surrounding youth in football. We are not merely preventing trafficking; we are reclaiming the true spirit of the game—a spirit characterized by opportunity, dignity, and hope.”

“Football has the potential to transform lives; however, it is imperative that we ensure this transformation is both positive and secure. Joining Mission 89 enables me to contribute to the safeguarding of the dreams of young players who view football as their pathway to a better future,” she added.

This partnership emerges at a pivotal moment as the sports industry confronts escalating challenges in shielding young talent from exploitation. This comes as experts in Mission 89’s recently released Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking have also called for stricter legislation and collaborations between government and institutions globally to strengthen protective measures and protection against trafficking in the industry.

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Themed “Expanding the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Prevention of Trafficking in Mega-Sport Events,” the event opened with opening remarks from the Executive Director, Mission 89, Ms. Lerina Bright, Deputy Director General of Operations, IOM, Ugochi Daniels, and Ms. Ewa Naqvi, Chief of Mission, IOM Qatar who spoke all about the evolving landscape of mega-sporting events.

Ms. Ewa Naqvi provided context about the international dimensions of sports trafficking. “Qatar’s position as a global sporting hub gives us both an opportunity and a responsibility,” she noted. “While data shows that major sporting events can become focal points for trafficking networks, these same events can become powerful platforms for prevention and awareness through adequate preparation and partnership. The protocols we’re developing here in Qatar can serve as a model for sporting events worldwide.”

In her address, Ms. Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, emphasised that the trafficking of young athletes is a crime against individuals and an assault on the essence and integrity of sports. “As sports fans and anti-trafficking advocates all look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, we understand that the trafficking risks we’ve documented are evolving. Through Mission 89’s work, we’ve learned that prevention requires not just vigilance, but a complete reimagining of how we protect young athletes in the global sports ecosystem”.

The event featured a landmark presentation of the new Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking by Dr. Monique Emser, providing new insights into the mechanisms of exploitation. The report revealed disturbing trends, including an increase in reported cases of sports-related trafficking over the past five years, complex recruitment networks operating across multiple continents, the exploitation of digital platforms to target vulnerable youth, and the particular vulnerability of athletes from developing nations.

Nasser Al-Khori, the executive director of Generation Amazing Foundation, highlighted how Qatar’s World Cup legacy is being leveraged through sport for development programmes to build resilient communities. “GA was born from Qatar’s World Cup journey, reaching over a billion people across four continents. Now, as a key legacy foundation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we’re leveraging our global football for development network to contribute to safeguarding efforts and protecting vulnerable young athletes worldwide. I believe that the State of Qatar has continued to deliver on its promise of legacy by acting as an oasis of dialogue on mega sporting event related research.”

The event, moderated by renowned human rights advocate Professor Parosha Chandran, provided a platform for critical discourse on leveraging international collaboration to address sport-related human trafficking. Reflecting on the broader implications, Professor Chandran remarked, “Mega-sporting events hold immense power to unite people across borders, yet their shadows can harbor exploitation and suffering. We must confront this reality with unwavering resolve. Let today be a turning point—where we not only envision safe spaces in sports but actively create them.”

Mr. Umar Garba Baba, Former INTERPOL Vice President (Africa), shared critical insights into cross-border trafficking operations, while professional footballer Ashleigh Plumptre offered powerful examples of the vulnerabilities young athletes face. “The exploitation often begins with a simple promise,” Plumptre noted. “Our responsibility is to ensure these promises don’t become pathways to trafficking.”

To underscore the country’s commitment to addressing sports trafficking, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty said,  “Sierra Leone stands ready to lead by example,” Minister Karminty affirmed. “That is why I am delighted to announce our intention to host the first-ever global conference on sports trafficking. This conference will provide a platform for countries, institutions, and stakeholders to collaborate on practical solutions to this pressing issue.”

The day concluded with The Walking Football Match, an innovative advocacy initiative by Generation Amazing Foundation that emphasises the importance of communication and access to adequate resources. The initiative demonstrated how sports can serve as both a medium for awareness and a tool for change.

For media inquiries, please reach out to media@mission89.org

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Mission 89, in partnership with Loughborough University and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK branch (CPA UK), has released the first-ever comprehensive Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking, presenting a rigorous academic and policy-oriented analysis of human trafficking within the global sports ecosystem.

The report integrates a comprehensive literature review, interdisciplinary expert consultations, forensic analysis of documented trafficking incidents, comparative international policy assessment, including contributions from global experts. While highlighting the economic benefits of the sports industry, which is estimated to be between $471 billion and $1.4 trillion annually, the report sheds light on how this lucrative industry has become a magnet for traffickers exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly young athletes from the Global South.

According to industry stakeholders, the absence of a specific definition for ‘sport trafficking’ has presented significant challenges in distinguishing the phenomenon from migrant smuggling, irregular migration, and other forms of human trafficking, thereby preventing targeted Interventions. In addition, the US Department of State has identified significant regulatory gaps within sport governing bodies. Even established regulations, such as FIFA’s prohibition on international transfers of minors, have revealed numerous loopholes and enforcement challenges.

The report introduces a scholarly and precise definition of sport trafficking, referred to as a systematic process of recruiting and exploiting individuals within the sporting domain, characterised by coercive mechanisms that compromise individual autonomy and fundamental human rights. It not only involves the direct exploitation of athletes but also extends to the myriad ways through which the industry can serve as a conduit for labour and sexual exploitation, especially during mega sporting events which attract increased demand for informal labour and entertainment services (that may involve trafficking for sexual exploitation).

For Dr Serhat Yilmaz, the Lead Researcher of the report and Senior Lecturer in Sports Law at Loughborough University, it is quite straightforward. “Without a precise, sport-specific definition of trafficking, we are dealing with inadequate legal protections, ineffective policy development, challenges in identifying and supporting victims, limited prevention strategies, and blurred legal distinctions that allow perpetrators to escape accountability. Therefore, our objective is to bring sport trafficking out of the shadows and into focused, actionable legal and social frameworks”, he explained.

The report also presents a typology of sport trafficking supported by case studies that are identified and developed through the research. This typology of sport trafficking, as another novel aspect of the document, provides an overview of the different types of trafficking evident in, through, and around sports. In each case, the existence of the type of trafficking is determined by the presence of the necessary constituent elements of the trafficking crime as per the definition of the UN Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Protocol.

“Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8.7 and 16.2, the research provides a foundational scholarly contribution to understanding and mitigating trafficking vulnerabilities”, said Lerina Bright, Executive Director, Mission 89. “With a clear and specialised definition, we can provide clearer legal frameworks, guide more effective policymaking, improve victim support mechanisms, enable more targeted educational efforts and help the judiciary better recognize and address these specific trafficking cases.”

The report recommends that legislators and parliamentarians develop and implement domestic anti-trafficking laws that align with the TIP Protocol and relevant regional instruments. It advocates for a ‘non-punishment’ provision to protect trafficking victims, particularly migrant athletes, from criminal prosecution for actions stemming from their trafficking experiences. Experts also advocated for the introduction of a new recognised form of exploitation encompassing severe forms of economic exploitation in order to provide stronger protection for vulnerable athletes.

Policymakers should also adjust immigration frameworks for athletes to reduce trafficker exploitation opportunities and ensure recruitment follows international best practices for labour rights. In addition, building capacity through targeted training for identifying sport trafficking and improving data collection will be essential for raising awareness and addressing this critical issue.

The report identifies a range of different areas for improvement in efforts to combat sport trafficking and more effectively protect vulnerable athletes and aspiring athletes. They are consolidated as a set of recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement, prosecutors, the judiciary, service providers, and sport organisations. In this respect, the insight of this report, typologies, and interpretive guide provide support and guidance for these actors in pursuing the recommendations and supporting anti-trafficking efforts.

Accessibility and Engagement

• Full Report: Available for download on Mission 89’s website
• Academic Inquiries: globalreport-ST@mission89.org

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Moreover, it is an industry that attracts many young individuals and, in some cases, these young athletes can be drawn by “esport academies”, which are either independent entities or affiliated with private companies/schools that claim to provide the equipment, training and competitions required to succeed. This, combined with the relatively unregulated and open-natured rapid growth of the esports industry leaves children exposed to cyberbullying, online predators, sextortion, inappropriate content, and more.

Our research is extremely important as the relative newness of the industry means that oversight is disjointed or non-existent in some instances, leaving gaps for exploitation to occur. Through this collaborative initiative between Mission89 and a team of student reearchers from the Graduate Institute Geneva, the research will aim to analyse in-depth the governance of esports structures to compare them to the traditional sports industry.

Esports is slowly being professionalised over the years, and as the industry is still establishing itself and getting the governance structures in place, loopholes in the protection of online gamers have the potential to appear. While the governance structures of traditional sports have not been able to eradicate the exploitation and trafficking of young athletes, they have been able to put policies and regulatory frameworks in place to address claims of the exploitation of amateur and professional athletes.

‘This Applied Research Project, in collaboration with Mission89, is at the forefront of research on sports and human trafficking. The research outputs the team will produce will certainly be crucial and pioneering resources for the protection of children in esports environments!’ Juliana, Graduate Institute of Geneva.

The research aims to draw inspiration from the field of traditional sports to understand the diverse risks associated with specific groups of individuals within the esports community, particularly women, children, minorities and those from the Global South. The research will explore the existing protection regulatory frameworks and mechanisms against child trafficking and their applicability to the online gaming industry and which safeguarding measures have been put in place by stakeholders in the esports industry to protect and/or address the exploitation and human trafficking of esports athletes, particularly those under the age of 18.

With the aim of proposing a set of transnational policies and/or procedures and regulatory frameworks to ensure that the general governance frameworks implemented serve their purpose as a safeguarding instrument for all children in the industry, the research will aim to understand who would be tasked with implementing these safety measures in the field of esports and which gaming and/or sports bodies would have oversight of the online gaming regulatory frameworks. The research will take on an intersectional approach to explore the multifaceted arena of the online gaming industry.

‘Esports are fast becoming a dominant feature in our society attracting a younger generation. Young people participate in esports to communicate, compete and be part of a community. The regulation of the industry both in terms of self-regulation and government regulation remains at an early stage of development, and this presents a concern to the safety of children online. Therefore, this research will form the basis of a guiding tool and resource to support organizations in combating child exploitation in the online gaming industry’.

As the project progresses, the team would appreciate anyone who feels that they could contribute to the research to contact them at  ea@mission89.org . We are extremely excited about our potential collaboration and contribution to this upcoming field of research.

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