Ombudsman launches investigation into exclusion of migrant minors from football

Unaccompanied migrant children are looking to sport as a basic means of integration.

The Spanish Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, has sent a formal letter to the Diputada del Común, Lola Padrón, announcing the opening of officio proceedings concerning the exclusion of unaccompanied migrant minors under public guardianship from federated football.

Background

In his official communication, the Ombudsman explains that the inquiry is being directed to two bodies:

• The Consejo Superior de Deportes (Spanish Sports Council)
• The Consejería de Educación, Formación Profesional, Actividad Física y Deportes of the Government of the Canary Islands

The aim is to collect detailed information on the situation and to analyse the obstacles these minors face when trying to access federated sport.

The Diputación del Común has expressed concern about the impact of applying the international football transfer regulations for under‑age players to unaccompanied foreign minors under public tutelage. According to the institution, the enforcement of these rules is, in some cases, preventing the processing or renewal of federated licences for children and adolescents who live in protection centres and participate in youth football teams, thereby limiting their access to official competitions.

Official Responses

The Consejo Superior de Deportes has replied to the Diputación del Común, acknowledging the difficulties encountered by these minors. The council is currently:

• Analysing possible avenues of action
• Studying alternatives such as revising the current criteria for applying the sports regulation
• Considering changes that would guarantee equal access to federated sport for these children and adolescents

Statement from Lola Padrón

Lola Padrón, Diputada del Común, praised the responses received and underscored the importance of the administrations’ involvement:

“Sport is a fundamental tool for integration and personal development. We cannot allow children under public guardianship to encounter new barriers to participating in something as basic as playing on a federated team.”

Next Steps

The Diputación del Común has pledged to continue monitoring the issue and to maintain the necessary démarches with the relevant administrations until a solution is found that guarantees unaccompanied migrant minors full access to federated football.