Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Players warned over agents scam

Pa
Monday 23 August 2010 09:46 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Aspiring players were today warned about a scam that could see them conned out of hundreds of pounds for non-existent trials with professional clubs.

Fraudsters have been posing as licensed agents offering youngsters the chance to showcase their talents - often with Barclays Premier League teams - before asking for an advance payment to cover 'insurance and travel'.

Once the money is paid, the families never hear from the so-called agents again.

The scam involves the sending of spam e-mails promising trials with various clubs, using details from the list of licensed agents on the FIFA website, http://www.fifa.com.

The clubs and the agents whose names have been used have no knowledge of the potential 'trials'.

The Football Association are urging anyone who is a victim of the scam to contact their local police force.

Manchester City last month revealed they were one of the clubs the fraudsters had promised youngsters trials with.

City also claimed a number of other Premier League teams had been involved.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in