Over the past decade, Africa has witnessed an explosion in the establishment of private football academies. Across all zones of the African football space, entrepreneurs and former players are setting up training centres with the dream of discovering the next genration of legends like Didier Drogba, Sadio Mané, or Victor Osimhen. According to FIFA’s Global Transfer Report (2023), over 1,700 international transfers involved African players, with more than 60% of them aged between 18 and 23. This figure alone demonstrates just how significant the academy-to-Europe pipeline has become. The story continues to this day with Acadmies like Beyond Limits in Nigeria, ASEC Mimosa in Cote D’Ivoire and Right to Dream in Ghana and Egypt making huge waves in the  global football industry.

But beneath the inspiring stories lies a more complicated picture. While private academies can create pathways for young players, they can also become hubs for exploitation, financial mismanagement, or simply poor training structures that promise dreams without delivering. To understand what is at stake, it is important to unpack how these academies function and where the risks and opportunities lie.

What Makes a Private Academy Different?

Unlike club-run academies that are directly tied to professional teams, private academies in Africa often operate as independent businesses. Their goal is to attract talented boys and girls, train them, and then either secure professional contracts abroad or arrange trials with scouts. Some charge parents significant fees, while others operate on scholarships with the hope of cashing in on future transfer fees.

According to CAF’s 2022 Development Report, there are an estimated 1,500 private academies across the continent, but fewer than 20% are formally licensed or regulated by their national associations. This lack of regulation is part of the reason why problems persist.

How the FIFA Regulations Apply

FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) provide the main framework. Article 19 strictly prohibits the international transfer of players under the age of 18, except under very narrow conditions (such as parents moving for non-football reasons or transfers within the EU/EEA for players aged 16–18). For academies, this means they cannot simply ‘ship out’ a 15-year-old prodigy to a club in Europe without breaching FIFA rules.

Furthermore, Article 20 of the RSTP introduces the concept of training compensation, ensuring that clubs and academies that invest in developing a player receive financial recognition when the player signs their first professional contract. In practice, however, many African academies do not formally register players, meaning they forfeit this compensation. This is why professionalisation and proper registration with local football federations are crucial.

The Scouting Market in Practice

Scouting has become both the lifeblood and the battleground of the African football business. According to Transfermarkt data (2023), African players contributed nearly €1.5 billion in cumulative market value to European clubs. Scouts are constantly searching for bargains — players who can be signed cheaply from Africa and then sold for significant profits. This creates an incentive for academies to showcase their players at youth tournaments, trials, and international competitions.

But with this boom comes the huge risk of malpractice. Cases abound of players being trafficked with fake promises of contracts, or parents paying exorbitant fees to shady academies with no credible pathway. A 2021 report by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) estimated that thousands of young African players end up stranded in Europe each year after unsuccessful trials.

Risks of Exploitation and Ghost Academies

The darker side of the academy boom is the rise of ‘ghost academies’ — entities that exist only on paper or operate without proper infrastructure. Families can be misled into paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for opportunities that do not exist. In Nigeria, for example, it was reported in 2022 that over 200 unlicensed academies were operating in Lagos alone, many without pitches, qualified coaches, or medical staff.

FIFA and CAF have both warned about this problem, but enforcement at the local level remains weak. For players, the consequences are severe: loss of money, wasted years of development, and in some cases, exposure to traffickers.

Opportunities if Done Right

Despite the risks, private academies remain a vital part of Africa’s football future. With the right regulation, they can complement national associations and professional clubs by identifying and nurturing talent. Successful models already exist: Right to Dream Academy in Ghana has produced players like Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), while Senegal’s Diambars Academy has been a launchpad for many professionals.

The business potential is enormous too. According to PwC’s 2022 Sports Outlook, the African sports market could be worth $12 billion annually by 2030, with football being the key driver. Properly run academies stand to benefit both financially and socially by developing players who can compete globally while also creating local employment.

Common Questions Asked

1. Are all private academies illegal? – No, but they must be registered and licensed with the local football association to operate within FIFA’s framework.
2. Can a 16-year-old from Africa move to Europe legally? – Only under very narrow exceptions provided in Article 19 of FIFA’s RSTP, usually involving family relocation.
3. How can parents verify an academy? – By checking its registration status with the national federation and asking for evidence of past player placements. You can reach out to me at ajojeisrael@africancoachesconnect.com for more information.
4. Do academies earn money when a player turns professional? – Yes, if the academy is properly registered and the player was officially trained under its system (through training compensation and solidarity payments).

Practical Checklist for Parents and Players

– Talk to a lawyer. Reach out to me  at ajojeisrael@africancoachesconnect.com for more information. – Verify the academy’s registration with your country’s football association.
– Ask for proof of past graduates and their career paths.
– Check whether coaches hold CAF or FIFA coaching licenses.
– Be wary of any academy demanding large upfront fees without transparent contracts.
– Understand FIFA’s rules on minors before agreeing to any overseas trials.

Conclusion

Africa’s private academy boom is both a blessing and a curse. Done right, it can change lives, create pathways, and generate wealth. Done poorly, it can lead to exploitation and disappointment. The key lies in regulation, professionalisation, and awareness among parents and players.

For more details, questions, or legal guidance on football academies and scouting, reach out to me at ajojeisrael@africancoachesconnect.com.

By
Adedeji-Ajoje Israel Femisi
International Sports Lawyer|| FIFA Licensed Agent
Executive Director of Operations
African Coaches Connect