CAF makes bold stand against player exploitation in African football

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CAF makes bold stand against player exploitation in African football

Festus Chuma 20:15 - 04.04.2024

Anti-player trafficking aims to combat exploitation in African football, with CAF and Mission 89 leading workshops for prevention.

Football trafficking, a scourge that has plagued the beautiful game for far too long, is finally facing a formidable opponent in the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

In a groundbreaking move, CAF has teamed up with Mission 89, a renowned organization dedicated to combating the exploitation of young athletes, to conduct Safeguarding and Anti-Player Trafficking Workshops across all 54 of its Member Associations and Zonal Unions.

The two-day workshops, held on March 27 and 29, marked a significant step forward in the fight against player trafficking in Africa. 

Covering crucial topics such as Understanding Player Trafficking, Legal and Ethical Considerations, Safeguarding Protocols, Role of Stakeholders, and Community Engagement and Awareness, the workshops provided Member Associations with essential knowledge and preventative measures.

Sarah Mukuna, CAF's Director of Member Associations, emphasized the importance of CAF's leadership in addressing this pressing issue.

 "The importance of taking a strong stance against Trafficking of young African footballers can never be over-emphasised. As the leading voice of African football, a sport played by all 54 African countries, it is important that CAF spearheads such workshops to ensure that all our Member Associations are well-equipped and knowledgeable about the subject and how to identify and prevent it from happening," she said as per CAFOnline.

CAF's commitment to safeguarding young footballers is not new. 

The organization launched its Safeguarding programme in 2022, appointing Safeguarding focal points across its Member Associations to oversee the safety and well-being of young African talents.

 With these workshops, CAF is reinforcing its dedication to protecting the future of African football from exploitation and trafficking.

The collaboration with Mission 89 underscores CAF's recognition of the need for international cooperation in combating football trafficking. 

Mission 89, with its expertise in research, education, and advocacy, brings valuable insights and strategies to the table, enhancing the effectiveness of CAF's initiatives.

By empowering its Member Associations with knowledge and tools to identify and prevent player trafficking, CAF is setting a powerful precedent for football governance worldwide. 

The workshops not only equip stakeholders with essential skills but also foster a culture of vigilance and accountability within African football communities.

As CAF's Member Associations division continues to roll out impactful programmes and initiatives, the standard of football in Africa is poised to reach new heights. 

With a united front against football trafficking, CAF and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, safer future for the continent's young footballers.

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