The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an initiative to safeguard the well-being and integrity of African football players.
The campaign dubbed “Protect the Dream” marks a decisive step in CAF’s fight against player trafficking and exploitation of young African talent.
According to a statement posted on CAF’s website, the ongoing educational campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of player trafficking and exploitation while also boosting young footballers’ confidence.
This, it said, would be accomplished through communication training to enhance the health and well-being of both male and female players while also establishing a safe and friendly atmosphere for all participants.
Earlier this year, CAF partnered with Mission 89 – an internationally recognised research, education, and advocacy organisation that fights the exploitation of young athletes.
The partnership saw CAF conduct Safeguarding and Anti-Player Trafficking workshops with all 54 member associations and Zonal unions.
“This is an exemplary step taken by CAF in its fight against player trafficking.
“Football has proven to be a tool to change lives, including mine, and fake agents have used this knowledge to prey on Africa’s talent. It is therefore important that
CAF, using the power of football, takes such a stand with the launch of Protect the Dream to safeguard the future of African football,” said Adebayor.
Young and senior football players, parents, guardians, and academies across the continent urged to engage with the educational campaign, which would be packaged in various consumable formats, including conferences, workshops, videos, podcasts, and other engaging online content that will be easily accessible across CAF platforms.
CAF would soon announce its collaboration partners who would join the campaign in safeguarding the well-being and integrity of the players.
GNA