Former Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba claims that phony agents selling promises of fame and money prey too frequently on soccer players in Africa.
Drogba collaborated with the International Labour Organization and the international soccer players’ organization FIFPRO through his foundation to increase public awareness of the dangers.
“Please, I need you to hear this, Be very careful who you trust. Never trust the person who wants your money.”
Drogba said in an animated campaign video to players.
However, According to a recent FIFPRO survey of 263 players from seven African countries, more than 70% were contacted unsolicited by someone who promised to assist them switch clubs.
Most often, players approached were offered the chance of a trial (43%) or a contract with a club (39%) – and 56% did not get a trial promised to them, while 44% did not sign a contract they expected to sign.
“FIFPRO has heard many stories about players being approached by people pretending to be agents that promise to arrange a trial or a contract with a new club,” FIFPRO said in a release.
“The reality is less glamorous… In some of the worst cases players find themselves stranded abroad without money to return home.”
“Your best agent is not the guy you may trust, the best agent you can have is your performances,” Drogba said on a video call this week with reporters. “This never lies. So the more you perform, the more clubs are coming to watch you play.
“What I see is a lot of kids looking for an agent to find me a club. That’s not how it works. It’s the performance that gets the attention of the clubs and good agents.”
As part of FIFA’s new regulations, as of Oct. 1, 2023 every soccer agent must have a FIFA licence, which requires passing an exam. The campaign includes a pamphlet for players with practical advice such as how to identify a fake agent, what to look for in a contract, and a player’s rights as a foreign employee.
The 45-year-old is one of the most successful African players in Premier League history. He scored 164 goals for Chelsea, capturing four league titles and the Champions League and twice winning the Premier League Golden Boot.
