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In a shocking development, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has suspended 62 players, including the once-celebrated 17-year-old AFCON 2023 sensation Nathan Douala, over allegations of age fraud.
These players have been provisionally declared ineligible for league play-offs (MTN Elite One) following an investigation that uncovered a widespread age manipulation scheme. The scandal has sent shockwaves through African football, raising concerns about the integrity of youth setups and player eligibility.
FECAFOOT’s probe revealed that several players had falsified their ages, with some cases spanning over a decade. Among the prominent figures implicated is midfielder Nathan Douala, who gained fame representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, where he was listed as 17 years old.
However, FECAFOOT’s investigation found discrepancies in Douala’s age, leading to his suspension for providing false information under the charge of “double identity.”
In a statement, FECAFOOT announced the suspension of the players and expressed concerns about the concealment of their actual ages.
The scandal has put Nathan Douala under intense scrutiny, casting doubts on his credibility and eligibility on the international stage. It has also sparked discussions on social media about the prevalence of age fraud within football youth systems across the continent.
