These predators feed on dreams—young players, hungry for a chance at stardom, and families, desperate to see their kids succeed. They operate in the shadows, promising the world and delivering nothing but disappointment and heartbreak.

Over the past four and a half years we have met several families across Europe, Africa, USA, Canada and Australia who fell victim to these scams.

One particular story stands out.

In 2023 we spoke to a young boy and his parents from Adelaide, Australia. He had been flagged as an up-and-coming talent in the junior division of the country’s NPL (National Premier League) competition. But what his family didn’t have was the substantial financial support needed to make it big in Europe.

So, when an Australian bad actor living in southern Europe—Naples in this case—offered him a trial at a pro club, his family naturally jumped at the chance. They paid the agent a hefty fee for the opportunity and they uprooted their lives, moving across the globe.

When they arrived, it became apparent the opportunity didn’t exist. The agent, clearly unbothered, told them, “There must be some sort of mistake.” That was the end of the conversation. The money was gone, their dreams shattered, and the boy’s confidence damaged beyond repair. The club eventually took in the boy at the request of the boy’s father, but it didn’t offer anything other than a sub-standard training ground.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case.

Specifically over the past 24 months, my journey has revealed that this issue is far too common.

Southern Europe: A Hotspot for Fraud

From Italy to Spain and Greece, these scams are rampant. Southern Europe has become a breeding ground for fake, unregistered agents who exploit families, particularly those from poorer regions; specifically Africa due to its close proximity. 

Young African kids, filled with the same dreams as any aspiring footballer, are lured by promises of trials, contracts, and fame. These agents prey on their desperation. They promise trials at clubs in Serie A, La Liga and lower divisions, asking for thousands of euros upfront. The boys never see the inside of those clubs. Instead, they end up stranded in Europe, without a club and often without the financial means to return home. Some are left in situations that threaten their livelihood, and their talent goes to waste.

We’ve spoken to a large number of these boys. They trusted these agents completely. “We thought they were legitimate because they had contracts and even some contacts with small clubs,” one boy told us. But as soon as the money exchanged hands, the communication stopped, and the promised opportunities vanished.

A System Built on Deception

Bad actors know how to play the game. They target families who don’t have the resources to verify their claims. They make everything sound legitimate—sending fake contracts, booking fake trials, and often impersonating real football clubs offering fake “contracts”. They also hide behind encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp as their primary means of communication. By the time the families realise they’ve been deceived, it’s too late.

The problem is twofold: on the one hand, these agents are operating illegally, but on the other, there’s a lack of regulation and transparency that allows them to continue.

Many clubs in southern Europe turn a blind eye to these unscrupulous agents, driven by the lure of financial gain from bringing in young talent. Trials operate in a murky grey area, often informal, and as long as the agent and the club pocket their payments for the “exercise,” they’re content to feign ignorance. This isn’t just a problem for the players and their families. It’s a problem for football as a whole.

So, who pays the price?

In every one of these cases, it’s the kids who suffer. They are young, ambitious, and often unaware of the dangers. They trust that the agent has their best interests at heart. But in reality, these agents only see them as quick cash grabs. Families take out loans, sell property, and sacrifice everything, thinking they’re giving their child the opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, they’re left with nothing but debt and disappointment. One father from Georgia told us, “We nearly lost everything. Not only the money but my son’s belief in himself.”

These bad actors don’t just take money. They steal dreams.

We Need Accountability and Transparency

This can’t go on. Football needs to be transparent about who is involved in these young players’ futures. Governing bodies like FIFA must step in and create systems that hold these unscrupulous bad actors accountable.

There should be:

• A public database where reported fake agents are listed. By name and location.

• More rigorous vetting processes at clubs, especially in southern Europe.

• More education for families and players about the dangers of dealing with unregistered or unknown agents.

Players need to know who they’re dealing with. Families need to be aware of the red flags when dealing with bad actors promising big things for a fee. I urge clubs and governing bodies to do their part in stopping this exploitation.

Exposing Bad Actors

We can’t stand by while this happens.

Football is ruthless enough without young players and their families being exploited by fraudsters. Players, families, and clubs need to be educated on these dangers, and the authorities need to take action. FIFA should lead the charge, creating a global platform that lists known fraudulent and unregistered agents. Again, by name and location. This database would be available—for free—for anyone to check before entering into any agreement.

If we can expose these bad actors, particularly those who aren’t even registered (!), we can stop them from ruining more lives.The football community must come together to protect its most vulnerable—young players and their families. It’s time to raise awareness and hold these bad actors accountable.