Cheikh Touré, a young Senegalese goalkeeper, was murdered in Ghana while hoping to undergo testing in Morocco.

His death shocked the football world. A victim of a network of scammers posing as scouts, his story became a symbol of the dangers facing young African talent.

In the face of this tragedy, sports journalist Anthony Pla has published a powerful message for all those who dream of becoming professionals. He denounces the scams, illusions, and fraudulent schemes that exploit the distress and hopes of young players.

Anthony Pla explains that "scammers and fake players' agents pretend to be real agents, for real clubs, including African ones." He cites recent cases of young people abandoned in Belarus after paying millions of CFA francs for fictitious trials in Europe.

"No serious club gives trials to players they have never seen themselves. It doesn't work like that," he insists.

The journalist and commentator lists the fundamental rules to never forget. "You don't become a footballer online or by writing to people online. A club that scouts a young player takes care of everything. If they ask you for money, it's a scam," he warns.

Anthony Pla continues:

"A non-European under 18 cannot sign in Europe, it is prohibited by FIFA," he informs.

For him, the best way to succeed remains to join an academy in Africa, which participates in international tournaments, or to break into the local first division.

He insists that there is talent everywhere, so talent alone will never be enough. "Just because it's tough in your country doesn't necessarily mean there are miracle solutions elsewhere. That's not true."

He continues his warning.

“If you have to pay for trials without ever having been seen by a scout or a club, it’s a scam and it also means you’re not good enough.”

Anthony Pla concludes with a message to supervisors and families.

"Clubs, academies, coaches, supervisors and especially parents, you must remain vigilant against these scams involving tests or fake transfers abroad," he warns.

Currently, other young Senegalese are in Ghana, and their worried families are calling for help.