African teenagers lured to Europe with false promises of riches

Hundreds of African teenagers are still being led abroad by false agents promising soccer riches only to be abandoned on the streets of European countries, according to a charity that is trying to deal with the problem.

Jean-Claude Mbvoumin, a former Cameroon international who heads the Culture Foot Solidaire group (CFS), said it was estimated that up to 15,000 young African players were taken abroad every year under false pretences.

Mbvoumin said that the agents, often using fake business cards allegedly issued by European clubs, approached the players' families, promising a lucrative contract abroad in exchange for a fee ranging between €3,000 (HK$31,000) and €10,000.

"In Africa, you have the dream, everyone wants to be Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure," Mbvoumin said.

"There's the big dream and the families don't have good information. They pay money, they think the children will succeed in football and they leave the children with unknown people."

Fifa has introduced tougher rules on international transfers, especially those involving players under 18 which are only authorised once a long list of requirements have been fulfilled.