Yaoundé, 13 January 2025 – A memorable meeting took place today in Bastos between the International Organization for Migration (IOM), represented by Mr Abdel Rahmane Diop, IOM Chief of Mission in Cameroon, and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), represented by its President, Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils, with a common ambition to support the youth and respond to migration challenges. The two organizations unveiled an innovative collaborative partnership that aims to transform football into a platform of opportunity while raising awareness about irregular migration dangers.

The initiative is inspired by the unique stories of many young Cameroonian migrants who, with a passion for football and no financial means, attempted to reach Europe through irregular migration.

The partnership between IOM and FECAFOOT goes far beyond awareness-raising campaigns. It aims to create a safe and structured environment for young footballers by offering them psychological support, health monitoring and concrete opportunities in Cameroon. The project also addresses the issues of human trafficking and exploitation of young athletes, while promoting regular migration pathways, enabling local talent to aspire to legally join renowned clubs such as those where Samuel Eto’o played: “We have a duty to help young Cameroonian footballers make the right decisions. There is an urgent need to invest locally in the development of young footballing talent to prevent them from falling into the trap of irregular migration. The aim of this partnership is to create a safe and structured environment for young footballers by offering them psychological support, health monitoring and concrete opportunities in Cameroon,” emphasised the President of FECAFOOT.

This initiative represents a unique opportunity to harness the universal appeal of football to empower young people and foster sustainable development. To amplify its impact, the collaboration invites key partners such as FIFA, UEFA, international clubs and private foundations to join in this effort to pool resources and expertise in a partnership that can increase opportunities for young talent and strengthen Cameroon’s social fabric.

“Football is a universal language. With this partnership, we want to show that success can start here, on our pitches, in the heart of Cameroon,” emphasised Mr Diop.

Building on its first intervention at the JENASESCO Games in December 2023, IOM’s engagement in sport marks a strategic turning point in its response to migration challenges through innovative platforms. Together, IOM and FECAFOOT aspire to transform every whistle into an opportunity for Cameroonian youth and the diaspora, uniting dreams and ambitions on the football pitch and beyond.

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The support of partners such as FIFA, regional bodies and private foundations is essential to strengthen IOM’s impact, empower young people and create local opportunities. Together, we can offer a sustainable and beneficial response to migration.

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For more information, please contact:

Jean Yves MEDANG, IOM Cameroon, Tél: +237 691 91 78 53, jmedang@iom.int

Gisèle MASSINA, IOM Cameroon, Tél: +237 6 99 07 21 64, gmassina@iom.int