FIFA issues firm response following death of Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Touré
FIFA has reacted strongly to the tragic death of young Senegalese goalkeeper Cheikh Touré, a case that has sparked widespread emotion across Senegal and beyond.
Since Friday, the incident has provoked deep sorrow and public debate, prompting Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue an official statement.
The football community continues to express grief as questions emerge about the protection and transfer of young players.
Speaking on Wiwsport’s “Wax Sa Xalaat” programme, Moustapha Diop, president of the FIFA Football Agents Association in Senegal, addressed the controversy.
He reminded the public of the strict professional standards that govern football agents and urged families to remain vigilant about their children’s careers.
Diop explained how the agents’ profession now operates under FIFA’s direct authority. “The agent profession has changed significantly. Federations no longer manage it.
FIFA now controls it directly,” he said. “After passing an exam, FIFA grants an official license with a QR code. But that alone is not enough.
To represent a minor, agents must obtain a separate certification.”
He emphasised that FIFA enforces strict regulations on representing young footballers to ensure their welfare.
“The representation of minors follows clear FIFA rules,” Diop explained. “These are built on four principles inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child — non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life and development, and the right to be heard, especially in cases of dispute.”
Diop urged stronger collaboration between national authorities and FIFA to combat exploitation in youth football.
“With all the legal frameworks established by FIFA, the State must act alongside this organisation to make sure these measures are respected,” he said.
He warned that enforcement alone would not end the problem without greater awareness among families.
“What we must denounce today is that some parents see their children as means of wealth or negotiation tools,” Diop stated firmly. “They must change this mindset and put their trust in certified professionals.”
His comments reflect FIFA’s increasing determination to protect young athletes from exploitation.
The world football body insists on compliance with its licensing system and ethics regulations to ensure minors are represented fairly and lawfully.
Touré’s death has reignited national debate over how young players are treated during their early careers. Many observers in Senegal have called for stronger oversight of unlicensed intermediaries and stricter enforcement of FIFA’s regulations.
The tragedy has also highlighted the emotional and financial pressures facing families who view football as a path to prosperity.
Diop’s message serves as both a warning and a call for responsibility — urging all stakeholders to prioritise children’s safety and dignity over ambition.
As investigations continue, FIFA’s statement and Diop’s remarks underline the need for integrity, education, and cooperation at every level of the game.
The governing body remains adamant that football’s future depends on protecting its youngest players from harm, ensuring that tragedies like Cheikh Touré’s death never happen again.
