18/03/2026
In Nigeria, where football is a pathway out of poverty for many young talents, fake agents exploit social media, local academies, and word-of-mouth networks to target vulnerable players aged 15–25. They promise “trials” with European clubs in the Premier League, Serie A, or Bundesliga, demanding upfront fees for visas, travel, and “facilitation” ranging from €1,000 to €5,000.
In this article, we breakdown what the FIFA regulation says as well as some of the steps players can take to counter fake agents and position themselves for legitimate opportunities in bigger leagues.
Learn more:
Learn how FIFA RSTP Article 19ter protects players from fake agent scams during football trials. Understand mandatory trial forms, duration limits, and legal safeguards.