Daniele Canepa “I think there’s nothing better in life than helping somebody when they are in need,” Junior Bilog says with conviction. Bilog is a former Cameroonian footballer, known as Coach Kampos in the borough of Saint Denis, north of Paris In 2005 while working as a night watchman, Bilog was approached by a young […]
The sports industry is a multi-conglomerate essentiality to the global economy. Estimates running up to $1.3 trillion illustrate the various networks created by multitudinous sports corporations. At the heart of this commercial enterprise sit African football talent; in particular, youth who aspire to have a successful career in the sports industry. Football, specifically, generates billions […]
“Child trafficking is the darkest and most sinister side of the beautiful game but a small step has been taken to eradicate a cancer that is gnawing at the very fabric of human decency,” says leading football website The World Game. The World Game’s story highlights Mission 89 and the organization’s effort to bring together […]
The Sunday Mirror newspaper in the UK has investigated the links between trafficking and professional clubs in Britain in a report headlined: “Fake agents tricking thousands of football-loving kids into child trafficking hell”. The Mirror quoted FIFA’s former head of security, ex-Interpol agent Chris Eaton, who said: “There are thousands of African children and youths tricked […]
Iconic British magazine When Saturday Comes – which for many years has covered aspects of football around the world that are neglected elsewhere in the media – focuses on the work of Mission 89 and the issue of trafficking players from Africa to Europe in its latest issue. We reproduce the story here but you […]
Mission 89 is honored to support the work of photographer Jason Andrew and his ‘Black Diamonds’ project. Jason has an installation based on ‘Black Diamonds’ at the Spring/Break Art Show in New York City from March 6 to March 12. The exhibition features artists responding to the theme ‘Stranger Comes to Town’. ‘Black Diamonds’ documents […]
Football has a dirty little secret: the movement of players from Africa to Europe and Asia. It is a complex issue that involves exploitation of young athletes and at its worst examples is defined as human trafficking. Just like a typical football match there are many forces in play and many individuals with specific roles […]