Problem & Context
African players encounter systemic obstacles including exploitation, misinformation, fraudulent agents, poor documentation and non-compliant transfers. Clubs engaging with minors also face reputational and legal risks. LeanPlay responds to these challenges by ensuring verifiable identity, lawful representation and transparent movement of talent.
Positioning
LeanPlay is a professional, compliance-driven pathway for football talent. It is not a social app, a talent lottery or an unregulated agent marketplace. The platform stands apart through:
- Built-in verification and compliance
- Clear documentation and governance
- Safeguarding-first workflows
- No public-facing social features
The LeanPlay Compliance Stack
Compliance by design, layer by layer.
Layer 1 — Identity Integrity
Identity and age verification, document authentication.
Layer 2 — Guardian Protection
Parental consent and safeguarding protocols.
Layer 3 — Process Transparency
Standardized contracts and transfer tracking.
Layer 4 — Professional Conduct
Licensed intermediaries operating under a code of conduct.
LeanPlay provides information to users but does not offer legal advice. Users are responsible for complying with applicable regulations.
Equity by Design
- Transparent, fixed pricing
- No pay-to-play trials
- Hardship scholarships for eligible players
- Rights and contracts education for all participants
- Fair representation aligned with dispute-resolution norms
Platform Design
- Verified player profiles, including bio, video and performance data
- Secure document vault with controlled access
- Verification badges for players, academies and intermediaries
- Professional search and structured triage for scouts
- No likes, public messaging or unsolicited contact features
Value to Clubs
- Reduced compliance and reputational risk
- Verified documentation and player status
- Faster evaluation through standardized dossiers
- Lower scouting costs and reduced travel requirements
- Ethical sourcing aligned with safeguarding expectations
Compliance & Regulation
The regulatory frameworks LeanPlay is built to satisfy.
Football governance
- FIFA Football Agent Regulations — licensing, service-fee caps and conflict-of-interest rules
- FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, including Article 19 on minors
- FIFA Clearing House and Transfer Matching System reporting requirements
- National association registration rules and confederation-level statutes
Data protection & privacy
- Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), with enhanced protections for children's data
- Directive 2002/58/EC (ePrivacy) for cookies and similar technologies
- Standard Contractual Clauses for transfers outside the European Economic Area
- Article 28 processor terms for clubs and agencies using the platform
Consumer & digital services law
- Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights, including the 14-day right of withdrawal
- Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices
- Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act) notice-and-action and statement-of-reasons duties
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 (P2B) fairness and transparency duties toward business users
Safeguarding, mobility & integrity
- FIFA Guardians safeguarding framework and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- National child-protection, immigration and work-authorisation requirements
- Anti-money-laundering, sanctions and anti-bribery screening obligations
- Anti-trafficking law and football integrity rules on betting and match manipulation
Detailed contractual terms, privacy disclosures and consumer rights are published in the Legal Centre linked in the footer of every page.
Governance
LeanPlay will establish an independent advisory board with expertise in coaching, compliance, welfare and Africa–Europe football relations. Governance processes include annual ethical audits, conflict-of-interest checks and strong commitments to transparency.
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