African football rocked by age fraud as 25 of 40 DR Congo stars withdraw from U17 Cup of Nations after Cameroon scandal
AFRICAN FOOTBALL’S age fraud scandal rumbles on after DR Congo were forced to withdraw from the Under-17s Cup of Nations.
Recent MRI tests found 25 out of 40 squad members were found to have failed mandatory age testing.
And of the 15 players who passed the test, only five “managed to complete the necessary administrative formalities” to allow them into Cameroon.
As a result DR Congo were left with no choice but to withdraw from the tournament, which will now be contested by Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Chad and Central African Republic.
The Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC) has rescheduled fixtures to take place between January 12-14.
They also released a statement to the BBC saying: “It is an organisational nightmare because we have to quickly come up with a new format that will involve four nations instead of the original five.
“We are happy that after the MRI scans, all four nations now have a team.”
DR Congo’s revelation comes days after Cameroon U17s were rocked by their own age fraud scandal.
Following MRI tests ordered by Cameroon Federation president Samuel Eto’o it was found 21 out of 30 players were too old to be eligible.
The African country then suffered a further blow to their hopes of participating after another 11 players failed tests a few days later.
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A statement read: “21 players out of the 30 currently training have failed at the results of the MRI tests.
“They were immediately removed from the group. Steps were
immediately taken for their replacement.
“This action is the result of strict instructions given by the President of FECAFOOT [Cameroonian Football Federation] acting under the mandate of the executive committee.
“FECAFOOT urges all parties, in particular educators, to ensure that the ages by category are respected.”