Has the Union of Players received allegations of exploitation and human trafficking? How do you work and what help do you offer?
Since 2015, the Union has been drawing attention to the increase in cases and I insist on denouncing it publicly, putting a face to the problem, with different players telling their story publicly. Players ask for help in an absolute state of desperation, after being abandoned or living in undignified conditions. We have always tried to ensure a quick response, activate the appropriate authorities and provide legal support, immediately filing a criminal report. If there are no conditions for the player to stay in Portugal, we will guarantee accommodation, food and, in most cases, pay for a safe return to the country of origin. In specific situations of human trafficking, we call on the support of the multidisciplinary team of the Victims of Human Trafficking Support Network, which in this case is in charge of protecting and assisting the victims, through the protocol drawn up for this purpose.
Source: DN
