I just read this article in today's Star newspaper (StarTwo pg 18) and it was a real eye-opener...that these touts/brokers could go to such lengths giving empty promises...just outright disgusting
I wonder how the likes of Essien, Drogba, Eto'o, etc got their big breaks...

The article can be read here: http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2234283,00.html

We all love the beautiful game. But sometimes i think we all need to take a step back and realise that it's just a game...

Too much money in the game is the root of the problem. It's not just the beautiful game anymore - it's a business and industry.

I agree with this statement. Another example of how money corrupts. Everyone's looking for a way out of Africa aren't they? Anyone watch "Blood Diamond"?

its a damn long read. but thats what happens when it becomes business.
no more game, its serious business.

I think we kinda saw it coming. It happens in poorer countries like Africa. When they see a few players succeeding in football, there's a suddenth rush of young kids wanting to be superstars and earn lots of money. Its very similar like some China ladies being cheated to come over to Malaysia to be rich, only to find themselves being cheated by working as GRO's.

What could solve this problem is big clubs opening football academy in Africa. That would be the proper channel in grooming African stars, instead of going thru these unscrupulous 'football agents'.

True, many good footballers come from Africa and many ppl want to expoit them just to make more money...this is just the cruel reality of world nowadays.

Tats the world true face...

Good read. Perhaps France should tighten their immigrant rules also.

Aside that, what had happen to Nigeria? Even their players are playing for Ghana now?

Call it having a go or anything but teh shambles that is the Obi Mikel saga clearly point out the problems that is with football and agents in Africa. There were 2 agents claiming that they own him.

Sorry; off-topic; but Obi Mikel's case was way different. He was already playing for a Norwegian club and doing reasonably well. Nothing to do with the situation in Africa at all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_John_Obi

I know that. I'm talking about the agent in question. John Shittu who was based in Nigeria. He was the one who made the claims that Obi Mikel was his player after Lyn agreed the deal.

france already have strict rules bout immigrants.
they just cant stop it.
its like PATI in Malaysia.

Globalization is on the doorstep, there's nothing that FIFA can do about it.