The Football Scholar Bringing You a Unique Blend of Football Journalism and History

The Football Scholar Bringing you a unique blend of Football Journalism and History.

Understanding African Footballers in Europe EDITORS: Volume 1 • Issue 1 Jake White CONTENTS Castor Van Dillen

ARTICLES REVIEWS

AFRICAN SOC- WHAT DO THE CERSCAPES REVIEWED BY ACADEMICS SAY? (P.3) JAKE WHITE (P.5)

WHO RUNS FOOTBALL? (P.7) KING; DE VELE WEDEROPSTANDIN- GEORGE WEAH GEN VAN CHRIS : FROM MONROVIA GYAN REVIEWED BY CASTOR AND BACK (P.11) VAN DILLEN (P.9)

OPINIONS (P.15) DEAL; MET ROB JANSEN ACHTER DE SCHERMEN VAN HET REFLECTIONS (P.17) TOPVOETBAL REVIEWED BY CASTOR VAN DILLEN (P.14)

2 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) England or Germany, it can be inter- What do the Academics say? preted as shifting between the different layers of Wallerstiens theory. Football is discussed by experts, former players and managers, Especially if we take into account the but very rarely do we get to hear a studious approach. tangible barriers of work permits, passports and the difference in in- It is here that he highlights how frastructure between Africa (periph- hen embarking on research football emerged as a counter cul- ery) and Scandinavia (semi-periph- Wfor this article, I tried to tural force which complimented not ery), it becomes a logical step for maintain a scope of inquiry that only the forces of urbanization and some aspiring young African foot- engaged with the trends relevant to a growing African proletariat but ballers. Moreover, we see where Af- the processes which we find present a reclaiming of a sport which was rican footballers as labour fit within today’s football world. Evidently, originally introduced as part of the in the system of global capitalism. as the game has become increasing- civilizing mission by the European However, applying too much infer- ly globalized, processes associated colonial powers . Both adhere to the ence to the systemic and institutional with globalisation and connectivity mobilization associated with work- narratives detracts from the agency has become progressively influential ing-class organising that in many of aspirational African footballers. upon football as a game as well as a African colonies was the origins We must give solid attention to why commercial entity. The aim of this of the independence movements people migrate and even understand article is to highlight some of most which came about after the Second how football may not be the greatest illusory academia which comments World War. motivator for these migrations. Mi- on these influences. As a result, I As historians have transcended the gration can consist of push and pull cannot begin to cover everything nation state, football has emerged as factors which can influence both the that has been said, but I have cho- interesting foci but has somewhat need and the possibility of migra- sen opinions which I feel shed as struggled to shed the legacy of co- tion. This can draw upon what Esson much light on the emergence of the lonialism and this is nowhere more refers to as the ‘counter-narraitve’ of version of the game we see today. prevalent than in Africa. Global in- football migration and echoes Car- This academic research aligns with equality existing within a capitalism ter’s point about how individuals the themes of this issue by looking system has meant that capital, labour, negotiate their movements between at African football and the develop- migration and corporations present these overarching forces. ments which have brought so many a meaningful approach to historicize By positing African football migra- African footballers to Europe. football and understanding its place tion within the wider spectrum of Football as both a game and an within these processes. We can place global capitalism, academics have industry has benefitted largely from African footballer migration in the also examined what this means for the ‘global turn’ which has taken context of Wallerstein’s ‘World Sys- foreign intervention in terms of place in the field of History over the tems Theory’. This approach where NGO’s and the emergence of Foot- last decade. Football is an analytical capitalism has brought about a cen- ball academies on the continent. lens which allows historians to focus tre of capitalist development which Seen as attempts to shift the uneven on processes which are not com- consists of the industrialized West- relationship between Africa and partmentalized by the borders of the ern nations and a semi-periphery Europe, these ventures have both nation state. This has enabled acute and a periphery which operate under a positive and negative impact in focus where Africa is concerned due uneven capitalist relations subservi- reference to their aims. Kate Man- to the problematic colonial legacy ent to the former can be applied to zo looked closely at two initiatives associated with nation state bor- the migration of African footballers in her study, the first was ‘Football ders on the continent. In relation to from the periphery, to the semi-pe- for Hope’ and a FIFA joint venture this, there is worthy research of how riphery. A journey which contains with the Guardian newspaper where Kwame Nkrumah used the sport to opportunites as well as risks. they held a tournament and invested mobilize and build popular support African footballers, seen as a form in projects on the continent. These and symbolic significance of the na- of labour within this system can be examples provided a microcosmic tion-state in post-colonial Ghana examined in such a way. By tracing view of how Football interacts with themes of global development. She with the creation of the Ghanaian many African footballers’ journeys highlighted how neo-liberal and national team, the ‘Black Stars’. This to Europe via academies set up in neo-colonial development strategies builds upon Peter Alegi’s excellent Belgium, Greece or Scandinavia to book titled Soccerscapes also re- cast a grey cloud over the good in- the larger leagues of Spain, Eng- viewed in this issue. tentions these ventures possessed.

3 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) Manzo claims that ‘FIFA’s contemporary thinking on development in Africa reflects a fairly smooth transition from a neo-colonial mindset consistent with modernization theory to a neo-liberal understanding of social development and entreupnuership’ . Respect- ed Football historian Paul Darby argues that the emergence of football academies present a clear neo-colonial process. Industrialized Western nations dominate the terms in which trade is conducted and football academies in Africa are a mere expression of this notion. Economically speaking, these academies are export-focused and can be seen to be ‘de-skill- ing’ Africa in the process. To conclude my overview of this research, I found that the neo-colonial narrative is pre- dominant in any academic or historical analysis of African footballers in Europe which may be seem like an easy conclusion to draw. However, it is difficult to say whether it is the inability to move away or a lack of motivation to detach from the colonial legacy on the part of academics. I feel it would be wise to attempt to move away from this as we can all agree that the neo-colonial narrative is an established notion and instead of attributing its role, we should be seeking solutions. Furthermore, I found that there was a large economic focus regarding the literature. There has been little attention given to the way in which African footballers in Europe and the processes associated with this phenomenon have resulted in cultural shifts. By analysing Football in this manner, we open opportunities to understand how the game’s influence transcends the econ- omy and the playing field.

4 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) fostering Pan-Af- the appeal and the belief that those rican tendencies who aspire high enough can also tread through the cre- similar footsteps and in turn contrib- ation of the CAF. ute to the exchange. I found it inter- Finally, with esting how the appeal of what were football becom- deemed ‘African’ traits in players were ing big business, highlighted as a factor in these clubs Alegi shows how bringing these players to Europe. The the globalizing pessimist would highlight the way nature of the in which African footballers were game has fostered demonstrated as fine examples of the both positives colonizing mission. However, Alegi and negatives for focuses on the cultural shift football African football. undertook whilst being played by These includingAfricans on the continent, showing increased privi- how various influences meant African tization, greater players did not possess mere traits, organisational but had developed their own brand of involvement and the football. This brought ability, flair a larger section and passion to the European game of aspiring Afri- through the likes of George Weah, Sa- can footballers lif Keita or Roger Milla. Also, African creating a migra- teams performing noticeably on the tory pattern to world stage demonstrated the same An historical survey of Football Europe in search characteristics as a collective to the of opportunity. globe. Modern day examples high- on the African contintent lighted by Igle such as Michael Essien demonstrate the increased rewards frican SoccerScapes provides involvement and a larger section available for those aspiring to make a a brief but engaging survey of aspiring African footballers A career from the sport. It was interest- of how football developed on the creating a migratory pattern to ing how Alegi highlighted this cultural African continent. Alegi essen- Europe in search of opportunity. exchange that exposed the European tially uses football as an analytical There are two specific themes that game to new, rich footballing cultures lens through which to historicize emerged from Alegi’s work which which contributes to the diversity the effect the game had upon the I intend to explore. The first is the we find in the modern game today. continent whilst retaining a nar- process of Africanization which rative that stresses the prominent has taken place and how the ram- he second theme is the emer- and lasting influence Africa has ifications of this exchange can gence of the CAF and African had, and is having, upon the game. be found in what brings aspiring T membership of FIFA, alongside the The book interacts with a wide African footballers to Africa. By privatization of the game and the range of themes, stretching from wrestling the game from their co- way in which the larger institutional footballs very introduction to colo- lonial masters, they turned it into bodies present within African foot- nial Africa. Considered a valuable an activity that was distinctively ball have taken the game in specif- educational tool in the civilizing African. Alegi states that the game ic directions and laid the founda- mission, where football travelled took on ‘indigenous’ character- tions to globalize African football along the railway networks en- istics as it grew on the continent. for both the better and for the worse. abling the movement of colonialism This is seen across levels as in- This posits football as a double into the hinterland of Africa. From stitutions have played a role in edged sword, the increasing growth here, football undertook a seem- bringing African footballers to of football as an industry has seen ingly African character from its Europe whilst those who are sizeable benefits for Aica but the linkages with growing urbanization brought in turn Africanize or consistent neo colonial narrative con- and its organizational nature grew more broadly influence the Eu- tinues as the majority of these benefits via the native civil servants pres- ropean game. This increases the ent in the colonial administration. appeal and the belief that those 5 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) for Africa but the consistent neo colonial narrative continues as the majority of these benefits are seen to leave Africa, from the players to the fans focus on Euro- pean rather than local football. The grass roots game has considerably suffered in the face of globalization. The only real positive has been the development of pri- vate football academies which aim to provide schooling, board and football educa- tion to young boys. However, there is still a prominent European influence in these ventures with the final goal of exporting the best footballers to Europe. Moreover, this double edged sword presents itself most obviously in the overall theme of this magazine. Young aspiring African footballers are the most vulnerable piece of this puzzle, existing as a source of labour which risks monetizing footballing ambition. For every Michael Essien there are hundred other young African men who fall victim to the exploitation of their dreams and aspirations. Alegi provides a great overview of the history of the game on the African continent and demonstrates the consequence this history has played in the emergence of the modern game we all love. Furthermore, he highlights the growing institutional role now that football has become widely globalized and the ramifications this has had for African players pursuing their footballing dreams.

Title: African Soccerscapes: How a continent changed the world’s game Author: Peter Alegi ISBN: 9781849040389 Reviewed by: Jake White

6 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) Who runs Football?

his article contains an analysis of the politics of football or the lack of it. On the one side Tyou have the famous (international) football organizations, like the FIFA, UEFA, FIFPRO, and on the other side the international politics, needs to have its saying on this topic. With that part of the article you can think of organizations like EU, AU Directly speaking, FIFA did two important propos- and the UN. Of course, the topic of this magazine, als which influenced the situation of young African the migration of young African footballers is part footballers. The positive program was founded in of an analysis of the politics of football. 2001, and was formulated as a ‘protection of minors.’ Starting from that year, only football players of eigh- To start with, James Esson sees two ways of re- teen year or elder can be transferred to another coun- sponse you can have on irregular football migra- try, unless the parents were accompanying the player. tion. Firstly, the politics can create stronger regu- In case of the young African players that is and was lation on international transfers between football not the case very often. On the other hand, FIFA de- clubs. Secondly, the standards of African football cided to remove the official license of football agents should be improved. The first proposal is more in 2015. After that decision every human who was top-down, and the second one can defined as bot- old enough was able to register him- or herself as an tom-up. Nevertheless, it is hard to speak about agent. The conclusion of this part of the article can be those kind of structures within the football world. that the rhetoric where the biggest international foot- For an ‘FIFA-bobo’ the football world is a lot ball organization deals with does not really connect broader than for a young African footballer who with the needs of young African players. cannot plan his future. So, it seems to be that the responsibilities for change lie with the ‘FIFA-bobo.’ What about the others?

What about FIFA? At the moment, the African Football organization (CAF) was founded in 1957, FIFA already existed FIFA, the organization which I mentioned earlier, for several decades. Besides that, only four African was founded in Paris in 1904. As Darby describes: football associations (Egypt, Sudan, South Africa and ‘The foundations of the FIFA were deeply embed- Ethiopia) were recognized by the FIFA at that mo- ded with Eurocentrism.’ Under President Stanley ment. In other words, the historical role of the Afri- Rous (1961-1974) FIFA became even more ideal- can football organizations within the discussion was istic. By then they saw football as a vehicle of mo- very small, and they still have to deal with that divi- dernity and fair play was an attribute and value of sion of roles. modern societies. Imagine yourself that a lot of African countries were decolonizing at that time. Now comes the question whether the young Afri- Those new nation-states were never able to fit in can footballers should search for support within the FIFA-ideals back then. After the election of Joao NGO-world or the political organizations. About Havelange (1974-1998) as President of FIFA, FIFA the role of political organizations we cannot say very received some ‘Third World Solidarity.’ Not in the much. Of course, we do not know where they are first case, because Havelange, the same with Sepp talking about behind doors, but officially spoken only Blatter and Gianni Infantino needed the support the EU started a tiny research on this topic in 2011. of those countries. In the recent years, FIFA also The result of that research was that there is a need for assisted in UN and NGO health care-programs. more attention on the African migrant problem. The The question is whether FIFA really changed its vi- EU only used football migrants as an example.

7 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) At the same time, NGO’s, especially in the West-Af- rican part of the continent, try to get more attention for this topic, and bring out official statements about unequal relations between young footballers and their agents or coaches. Also their focus is not really on this topic, because they put the football migration in the broader debate on migration. Maybe, because football migration of young African not that big of a problem? Conclusions cannot be made, because nobody really wants to run the football business when it comes to the young Africans.

As a conclusion of this article, we need to agree with Kate Manzo who is stating that: ‘Not much ever changes in international development, and that football is no more than a magnet with which to draw young people deeper into the operational orbit of NGOs and their donors.’ In other words, there is definitely an organization (FIFA) who runs the football business, but doesn’t really want to. All the other international and political organizations do not have the guts to really agitate against FIFA’s position or do not want to start their own policy of changes.

Written by : Castor Van Dillen

8 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) The Story of a Ghanian Feye- noorder in the Netherlands

A lifetime of Ambiguity, faith, financial and physical issues .

his small biography, written by a well-known TDutch sports-writer Michel van Egmond, is about the life story of Christian Gyan. Gyan was a professional football player and is a cult hero for the supporters of Feyenoord. He worked for a few years in the harbor of Rotterdam, but cannot work any- more due to a brain disease. It describes very well what can happen to a young African football player during his journey on the European (professional) football fields.

Gyan and Patrick Allotey, another Ghanian football Chelsea. He already was a multi-millionaire as a teenag- player who came to Feyenoord at the same time, er. Only for Gyan and Allotey their history was different. signed their first contract for Feyenoord on 21 Oc- Allotey died at the age of twenty-nine under tragical tober 1995. This was just a few months before the circumstances in Ghana. Gyan is unemployed and bro- Dutch football federation in collaboration with the ken in Rotterdam and does need to go to the surgeon for professional football clubs decided that non-EU pro- a conversation about a possible brain surgery.’ According fessional footballers always needed to earn one and to these writings by Van Egmond, Salomon Kalou became a half times as much as the football players from the a very famous professional football player, Gyan also, but EU. Due to this first contract, and because of a lack had a lot of other problems and Allotey’s situation was of help Gyan did get a lot of financial problems and Allotey went back totally broken to Ghana after his even worser, and these are only three of the many examples contract was finished. where do not know anything about their whereabouts.

Van Egmond describes the situation wherein these two young African footballers came at the mo- imultaneously, Rodger Linse, a former football agent ment they were travelling to Europe in getting their Sof Christian Gyan, is talking about a youth friend and dreams come true pretty well in this quote: ‘From fellow footballer of Gyan, Wisdom Eli Bor, and his struggle all the African immigrants the footballers usually for recognition in the book: ‘Starting from that moment he belong to the category with whom the chance of suc- became a successful person through the eyes of some other cess is bigger than the chance to fail, if it only were people in the African society, and they also expected that because of the fact that they do not needed to paddle he was going to help them.’ So, not only their European to the European coast in a self-made boat, but just life circumstances and possibilities do give these young were flown in business class, with lightning speed African football players a huge amount of pressure. Their and safely to a country where a lot of money was origin does even more, because their family, friends and waiting for them.’ Some did get a lot more luck than former neighbors equate a trip to Europe with success and others. back in the days, came to London at a young wealth. age in the money-factory of Chelsea. He already was a multi-millionaire as a teenager. Only for Gyan and Allotey their history was different.

9 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) Lastly, what this book explains to us is that Gyan, despite his miserable financial situation, still remains positive and be- lieves in a good future with the help of the Christian God. Gyan gives approval to Van Egmond for this book with the following words: ‘God bless you, Mr. Mi- cheal.’ In other words, for some of the young African football players belief in the good of human is important in their choice to seize their chance on the Eu- ropean football fields. After all, the conclusion of this book seems to be that there is a lot of ambiguity of the situation where a lot of young African (professional) footballers live in Europe. In the meantime, a huge group of people wants to help them. From football agents, managers, supporters and big employers, everyone wants to contribute, but there is a lack of organization and coordination.

Title: King; de vele wederop- standingen van Chris Gyan Author: Michel van Egmond ISBN: 9789048840649 Reviewed by: Castor van Dillen

10 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) eorge Weah, , born in Monrovia, Li- beria on the 1st October 1966 is one of the most well-known African play- Gers to play in Europe. Seen here playing for AC Milan, he became the only African player to win the World Footballer of the Year in the 1995/96 season. He also had spells at Paris St Germain, Monaco , Chelsea and Manchester City. He became synonymous with the new breed of centre forward that emerged in the early 1990s who combined deadly finishing with pace, strength and skill. This is epito- mised by the wonder goal he scored against Verona for AC Milan.

What makes Weah’s case so fascinating in reference to the themes of this issue(African footballers in Europe) is that after his illustri- ous footballing career, he turned to politics in his native Liberia and began to use his influence to attempt to make a difference. He recently became elected President of Liberia as of January 2018 through the country’s first The 2005 Liberian presidential They concluded“An that exceptional ‘The elections goalscorer, complete democratic process in over two election has attracted a range of display many itcharacteristics is no exaggeration of other to de- decades due to civil war and political strife interest due to its backdrop of civil African polls scribeincluding him weak as instituthe precur- - that has been rampant. It is this conjuncture conflict. The two candidates were tions, patronage, ethno-regionalism, between footballing migrant and Presiden- sor of the multi-functional Weah and Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf violence and the de-legitimisation of tial candidate which has attracted academic strikers of today. Quick, and it ended in the latter’s victo- results, although the Liberian case attention as well as our own here at Football skillful and boasting a ry and Africa’s first female Presi- shows that, as elsewhere in Africa, the Scholar. It demonstrates how football, and powerful physique, fierce dent. Ibrahim Seaga focused on exact mixture of these and yet more in particular Weah, provides a backdrop for shooting power and dead- George Weah’s media portrayal idiosyncratic factors influences the investigation into understanding the nuances ly finishing skills, in his in the 2005 Liberian presidential results and the quality of the ensuing of Liberia’s case. election. and how his grassroots democracy’. pomp Liberia’s ‘Mr George’ popularity could not provide an Now elected Presidentwas rightly and considered advocat- one Gary Armstrong, questioned the role of Foot- antidote for his lack of political ing a battle againstof the corruption giants of andthe game. ball as a method of intervention in the Liberi- qualifications. Here we see the illiteracy whilst voluntarily halving an Civil War, citing “The snapshot analysis as limitations faced by someone of his Presidential salary. It will be of to what football – and indeed sport – might George’s stature and the draw- keen interest to Africanist scholars to or can do in zones of conflict can be seductive backs of myth-making of African see what changes Weah can bring and but also delusional”. The zero-sum, win at all footballers in their native coun- how his journey will inspire his fellow costs attitude fostered amongst communitar- tries. Harris and Lewis analysed countrymen. ian football clubs, alongside heightened club the character of the Liberia elec- To reach the heights that he has loyalties in Liberian football can inadvert- tions and how the polls were sim- done provides an excellent example edley contribute to sharpening divisions in ilar or dissimilar to other African of a ‘dream’ and not a nightmare. In civil conflicts where pro government forces, democratic processes. political circles, his background has rebel groups or ethnic conflicting boundaries worked against him. are already significantly ambiguous.

11 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) Hester den Boer

An interview with a research journalist about a forgotten, unfinished, and not widely known research topic which definitely needs to get more media attention.

ester den Boer is known as Hfreelance research journalist and photographer. Starting from 2013, she is part of the research journalist platform Investico. During her study, she specialized herself into the study of Russian language and culture, and she did her Masters’ in Holocaust- and Genocide-studies at the Univer- sity of Amsterdam. She did the research which is relevant for the theme of this magazine in 2014. The purpose of her research was to get know more about the trafficking of young African football players. For her research, she went to Kameroen and Ghana, and she had which areas she did research in. On that last part of the question she a lot of contact with Jean-Claude could show and talk about a lot of possible areas for research and im- Mbvoumin, who rebelled against provement. In the interview, she talked about her fellow journalists from the way the world was dealing with Norway, Denmark and Great-Britain who also started to research in the the trafficking in young African year 2014. According to her, there were not any specific reason for the football players. In this interview, fact that she started the research in 2014, but what she saw is that after she talks, a few years after her re- she finished her research the world of journalists did finally awoke onto search, about her experiences, and this topic. The real reason that she came to this topic was, that the first about the reasons behind the fact purpose of the research was to get more insight in the financial flows of that there exists a lack of knowl- the football world. She found out that there was a lack of control and edge on this topic. Hester den Boer rules in the football world. Besides that, she experienced that the football does not call herself an expert in world is very closed, or in her words, in a Dutch saying: ‘Niemand wil de the broad field, but can definite- vuile was buiten hangen’. That is why she did not finished this research, ly be called an expert within the and only did some ‘small’ research on this part of the football world. Dutch journalistic world on the Besides the readings of the available academic related books, she tried topic of this interview. to come in contact with football organizations like, the KNVB (Dutch he first question which I asked Football Association), Fifpro (International labour union for profession- was based on the fact that she T al footballers), the professional teams, and many other (international) did this research onto trafficking football relatives. She found out that almost nobody wanted to talk. Only in young African footballers from Maarten Fontein, then the director of ADO Den Haag, slightly showed a journalistic viewpoint which interest, but Den Boer’s research was also a bit ‘outside his league’ if we was not so much done before. So, believe Den Boer. Finally, Den Boer’s conclusion was that only way to I wondered how long the research get to know more about the trafficking in young African footballers is took, why she started to research to go back to the source. She did so and went to Ghana and Cameroon. this topic on that specific moment, Through couch surfing, with the use of the search term ‘football’, of all and, finally, places, she did get some contacts in those countries.

12 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) What she saw there was the impor- Taking all this together, one of the conclusions regarding this tance of the football academies. The research is that, despite all her finished research in a huge young players were brain-washed amount of areas, it is almost impossible to get a real insight. The with dreams of a professional career most important result of the research is, that you, finally, can in Europe, white coaches and agents find some Dutch research about the topic. According to her, you were very present and that there was cannot say that her research was groundbreaking, but she gave almost no control on these football away a huge amount of possibilities for further research, and academies. The purpose for Den Boer journalistic attention. Unfortunately, for her, for me, and for the was to know more about the ‘middle rest of the world this gaining of attention not really worked out, men’ within this part of the world of and attention for the trafficking in young African footballers is football. It was tough to get a real in- still very low. Not surprisingly, her final statement was: ‘Where sight, because as she said: ‘The people are the ‘politics’ within this problem?’ Luckily, there do exist who wanted to talk are also the peo- some pioneers in the journalistic world. Hester den Boer is one ple who are eager for a talk, and I do of them. not think that this insight gives the best overview.’ Another important question to think about, is the question: ‘Who makes the rules in the (football) world?’ In the interview Den Boer on the one side pointed out that mostly ‘white Europeans’ control the football world, but that on the other side the ‘middle men’ often have a more regional background, and make use of social relations which came forward during the colonial times. So, the problems are broader than just ‘North-South’-dif- ferences in relationships. Besides that, she states that the professional football do have a lot of social respon- sibility regarding her field of research. When a club does not bring a footballer to Europe, or does not give accompaniment to a player who comes to Europe, the chance of success is low. What is also important is that, the accompaniment does not stops after the footballer is successfully or unsuccessfully tested. According to Den Boer, the pressure on the players is too high: Getting the pressure away from the footballer is exactly something clubs, agents, but als the international football organizations should do.’

13 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) in Russia or the Middle East, he says the following: ‘Swallow a bit and let it be. … Of course! What would you do? Going to a Arabic law court? Good luck!’ In other words, it seems to be that there does not exist an equal relationship between the Eu- ropean world of football and the football world outside Europe.

Taking all this together, the final conclusion of the book sounds a bit pessimistic and shows that a lot needs to be improved in the world of football, or in Jansen’s words; ‘even at the moment where the biggest crim- inal arrives at a football club, when he gives this club the new ‘Messi’, the football agent will be welcomed as a real King.’ It seems to be that the lack of in- tentions from the football world is exactly the problem which needs to The Story of a Dutch FootballAgent faced, and quick too.

A lack of rules, randomness and capitalism within one story ‘a jungle, with a matching predator his biography, which was writ- mentality. Tten by a well-known Dutch Everyone tries to survive on the cost sport-writer Michel van Egmond, is of someone else.’ At the same time about the Dutch football agent Rob Jansen agrees with Van Egmond Jansen. Deal, symbolizes the explo- when he states: ‘His branch does not sion of the world of football in the have a very clean image.’ 1980s and 1990s. Besides that, this Unfortunately, the biographer and book gives a good insight in the role the protagonist do not dig deeper a football agent needs to have in his into that illegal part of the branch. relationship with the club, interna- Probably, due to the fact that Van Title: Deal; met Rob Jansen achter tional community and organiza- Egmond was more focused on the de schermen van het topvoetbal tions, and the most important of all, individual, and because Jansen does Author: Michel van Egmond according to Jansen, is the relation- not want to have anything to do with ISBN: 9789048842377 ship with the football player itself. illegalness. Reviewed by: Castor van Dillen In this book Van Egmond travels Besides that small touch on the il- around whole Europe with Jansen legality and the lack of rules in the to experience Jansen’s ‘imperium’ world of football agent, they outside of mostly Dutch football players he Europe. represents in the capacity of football talk with each other about the foot- agent. What becomes clear is that ball world outside Europe. Again even he is not always transparent to these talks do not go that much into his surroundings. But the difference detail, but what you can deduct is a between him and a lot of other foot- bit of a orientalist viewpoint on the ball agents is that you get the feeling rest of the football world. When Van in this book that he wants the best Egmond asks Jansen what he thinks for the football players. Jansen de- about his payments in countries scribes his own field as; 14 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) OPINIONS

We address some statements that arose during our research

‘Politicians should be more active regarding the topic of this issue’

Jake: Currently there seems to be growing focus on immigration in political circles and yet there is little discussion about specific types of migration. I feel as if politicians find the rhetoric of this issue more beneficial than solving it. Where football labour from Africa is concerned, there is not enough discussion about the nuance involved in the Afri- can footballer’s journey. Therefore, I feel it begins with the footballing world, who need to raise awareness of this issue amongst politicians as actual policy change is difficult.

Castor: Definitely, but not all kinds of political levels. I think changes in this world should start bottom-up. Small political decisions do easier change the structure of a human life than huge law-making or agressive judging.

‘Football symbolizes the current global structure’

Jake: I feel football is definitely a microcosm of the unevenness and inequality present in the global capitalist system. This is no more evident than where accessibility is concerned. Hopeful African footballers must possess the correct documents to gain direct access to these opportunities in Europe. The types of obstacles put in place make the neces- sity for circumvention greater and increase the risks of exploitation for Africans. This is the case for all types of migration, not only football. The role of organisations such as FIFA demonstrate how corporations are also able to circum- vent state soverigeniy, no more so than in Africa where states are considerably weaker.

Castor: Actually, it does. And when you want to change this global structure it is important that the current idea of power relations changes. That change need to start bottom-up, and it is a very alle process.

‘How do you think African teams will fare at this years’ World Cup in Russia?’

Jake: Having the majority of their players born outside of its borders, Morocco offers an interesting perspective in light of the themes of this issue. Whilst Senegal has been given what they may see as a favourable draw, especially con- sidering the season Saido Mane had with Liverpool. I think Nigeria will go furthest, they have a good young side and they also look the part, bringing African style to the tournament with their strip!

Castor: Based on World Cup history I would say that it will still take a long time before an African nation will win the Cup. However, you never know, it is football. Some teams and some players are succesful, most of them not.

15 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) 16 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) EDITORS’ REFLECTIONS

This issue has attempted to create an overview of African Footballers in Europe. By doing this, we have seen the influence of football across the African continent. Also how the legacy of colonialism is still prevalent as it is found in both neo-colonial and neo-liberal forms. They exist within the processes involved in football influence the game on a major scale, in particular in bringing young aspiring African footballers to Europe. This, I feel, is exacerbated by the fact the game has become increasingly more global and the profit margins have grown as a result.

When you place this larger overview alongside individual cases such as Chris Gyan and George Weah, we can see that in fact migration from Africa to Europe is impacted by a range of different push and pull factors that enmesh these aspiring young footballers amongst processes which offer both reward and risk. The rewards are clear, however I feel as if the risks receive less attention. As the game has become global and borderless, the opportunities for circumvention have only grown.

Agents, middle men and football clubs themselves serve to benefit greatly from the selling of false dreams to these young footballers. What only emphasizes this point is that often these are young boys in their early teens that can end up abandoned on the streets of Paris by their so called agents. More has to be done to curb the role of these agents and middle men. Whilst the opening of academies in Africa eases this, it does not suffice or address the lack of infrastructure and bureaucracy in place on the continent which allows for such circumventing that places these young Africans at risk. All the while, FIFA, CONCAF and European clubs continued to benefit from the abilities of those African footballers that make it and a blind eye is turned toward those who are left abandoned so far from home. We must therefore make a clear distinction between football migrants and football traffickers. Overall, there are too many avenues for exploitation due to the lack of authority present in the football industry and this is sadly the case in Africa than anywhere else. The discrepancy between Europe and Africa in terms of standards of living and economic prosperity has become expressed through the tribulations of these aspiring footballers and more must be done.

Written by : Jake White

The World never changes

Within this magazine an analysis of the world of football has been done. An analysis which was based on the question to what extent the trafficking and migration of young African footballers can be seen as a more or less neocolonial discourse. What I have experienced during this research is that it is hard to speak of a neocolonial discourse in a direct sense. Of course the rich (Western)-European clubs, often owned by rich non-Europeans by the way, bobo’s and control the international football organizations, but it are the ‘middle men’, as journalist Hester den Boer called them, who get in contact with young African footballers. Those dreaming young men are often not Western Europeans, but first or second generation migrants from the all-over the African continent. With the getting of regulation on these middle men you will probably find the solution. In other words, our world never changes, even not within this situation. There are center, semi-center, and outside actors regarding the migration of young African footballers. That is not that different as how it was back in colonial times, or in the rest of world history.

Door: Castor van Dillen

17 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) Bibliography & Further Reading Interview with Hester Den Boer What do the Academics Say? Biermann Christoph and Maik Grossekathöfer, ‘A Gerard Akindes, Paul Darby and Matthew Kir- New Slave Trade?: Europe’s Thirst for Young African win, “Football Academies and the Migration of Footballers’, in: Der Spiegel (4 June 2010), accessed African football labour to Europe”, Journal of via: http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a- Sport & Social Issues, 31:2 (2007): 143-61. new-slave-trade-europe-s-thirst-for-young-african- footballers-a-698508-2.html Peter Alegi, African Soccerscapes: How a Conti- nent Changed the World’s Game (London: Hurst De Boer Hester, ‘Dromen van Camp Nou’, in: De & Company, 2010). Groene Amsterdammer (29 october 2014), accessed via: https://www.groene.nl/artikel/dromen-van- James Esson, “Better Off at Home? Rethinking camp-nou Responses to Trafficked West African Footballers in Europe”, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Stud- De Zeeuw Huib, ‘Kijken: minderjarige Afrikaanse ies, 41:3 (2015): 512-30. voetballers verhandeld’, in: NRC Handelsblad (21 July 2015), accessed via: https://www.nrc.nl/nieu- Kate Manzo, “Development through football in ws/2015/07/21/kijken-minderjarige-afrikaanse-voet- Africa: Neoliberal and postcolonial models of ballers-verhandeld-a1414562 community development”, Geoforum, 43 (2012): 551-60. Lesuis Emma, ‘Hoe Afrikaanse jongens in het Eu- ropese voetbal terechtkomen (en wat ze daar te Immanuel Wallerstein, World-Systems Analy- wachten staat)’, in: De Correspondent (6 May 2016), sis: An Introduction (London: Duke University accessed via: https://decorrespondent.nl/4449/ Press, 2007). hoe-afrikaanse-jongens-in-het-europese-voetbal- terechtkomen-en-wat-ze-daar-te-wachten-sta- From Monrovia and Back at/338845218492-e6ed3c9a

Gary Armstrong and James Rosbook-Thompson, Who Runs Football? “Terrorizing Defences: Sport in the Liberian civil conflict”, International Review for the Sociology Armstrong Gary and Richard Guilianotti (ed.), Foot- of Sport, 47:3 (2012): 358-78. ball in Africa; Conflict, conciliation and community (New York 2004). David Harris and Teresa Lewis, “Liberia in 2011: Still ploughing it’s own democratic furrow “, Back Les (ed.), The changing face of Football: Rac- Commonwealth and Comparitive Politics, 51:1 ism, Identity and multiculture in the English game (2013): 76-96. (Oxford 2001).

Ibrahim Seaga, “The media’s agenda-setting role Baller Susan, Giorgio Miescher and Ciraj Rassool in Liberia’s 2005 presidential runoff election”,EC - (ed.), Global Perspectives on Football in Africa; visu- QUID NOVI, 28:1-2 (2007): 56-80. alizing the Game (New York 2013).

Carrington Ben and Ian McDonald, ‘Race’, Sport and British Society (New York 2001).

James Esson, “Better Off at Home? Rethinking Re- sponses to Trafficked West African Footballers in Eu- r o p e”, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 41:3 (2015): 512-30. 18 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018) 19 Football Scholar Magazine , Issue 1 (June 2018)