Didier Drogba's Foundation partners with KEFWA, warns Kenyan players over fake agents scourge

Didier Drogba Foundation and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have partnered with the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) to launch an initiative to raise awareness about African players falling victim to scams orchestrated by individuals posing as agents.

Didier Drogba Foundation which has been at the forefront of addressing the scourge and KEFWA warned players that fake agents were still on the loose, promising them lucrative transfers to clubs abroad.

To help local players evade the trap, they held their first meeting with the National Super League side, Vihiga Bullets Football Club at their training grounds in Nairobi.

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Speaking during the meeting, Victor Ashinga, the Legal Department officer at KEFWA, emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety of players across all clubs in the country.

 “As the players’ union entrusted with safeguarding the rights and welfare of professional football players, we are resolute in our support and awareness-raising efforts, especially during the transfer period.

We provide education and resources to empower our members, shielding them from unscrupulous individuals who prey on their dreams," he stated.

"I urge players to be careful with fake agents. When you get an opportunity to go to another team or are approached for a transfer, you should let the management know upfront because you will still need release letters.

Some of these agents often promise to take you to certain teams but their intentions are far from noble," coach Ongwae added.

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FIFPRO Findings

The campaign was launched after Fifpro, the global players’ union, laid bare the extent of the problem. Fifpro surveyed 263 male and female players, from Botswana, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Among its findings was that more than 70 per cent of players had been contacted, unsolicited, by someone claiming they could help them move to another club.

Of those, 36 per cent had been approached via social media. In 78 per cent of cases, the players indicated elements that the individual involved did not arrange properly.

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Troublingly, 56 per cent did not receive a trial they had been promised and 44 per cent did not sign a contract they expected to sign.

Following the findings, FIFA directed that every football agent must be licensed by the global governing body having passed an exam.

To save the careers of African players, the Didier Drogba Foundation decided to take the initiative to help players.

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