The launch of the “Protect The Dream” campaign marks a crucial step in CAF’s fight against player trafficking and exploitation (1)

Published:
Monday, September 30, 2024

Football inspires the passion of millions of people in Africa. Everyone, especially the youngest participants, deserves to experience football in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Faced with the alarming increase in the exploitation of young African talent, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has stepped up its preventive measures with the launch of its protection initiative for the welfare and integrity of African football players, #ProtectTheDream.

The aim of this ongoing educational campaign is to raise awareness of the risks of player trafficking and exploitation. Additionally, it provides tools to build young soccer players' confidence through communication training, promotes the health and well-being of both male and female players, and works to create a safe and supportive environment for all players.

The #ProtectTheDream campaign was launched in stages at the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental finals in Zanzibar and is hosted by African football legends Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Amanda Dlamini (South Africa) and Daniel Amokachi (Nigeria), among others, all of whom are playing together CAF plays an active role in raising awareness about the fight against player trafficking.

#ProtectTheDream is part of a series of collaborative programs led by CAF that aim to create a safe and nurturing environment for the development of young African football talent.

Earlier this year, CAF partnered with Mission 89 – an internationally recognized research, education and advocacy organization that combats the exploitation of young athletes. As part of the partnership, CAF conducted workshops on protecting and combating player trafficking with all 54 member associations and zonal unions.

“This is an exemplary step by CAF in the fight against player trafficking. Football has proven to be a tool to change lives, including mine, and false agents have used this knowledge to exploit Africa's talents. It is therefore important that CAF harnesses the power of football and takes such a stance with the launch of Protect the Dream to secure the future of African football,” Adebayor said.

Young and senior football players, parents, guardians and academies across the continent are encouraged to take part in the educational campaign, which will be delivered in various consumable formats, including conferences, workshops, videos, podcasts and other engaging online content that is easily accessible are accessible on all CAF platforms.

CAF will soon announce its partners who will join the campaign to protect the welfare and integrity of players.

Follow the conversation across all CAF platforms #ProtectTheDream

Further inquiries:

[email protected]

CAF | Communications Department