Cameroon has suspended Wilfried Nathan Douala and 61 others for age fraud threatening careers and highlighting systemic issues in African football governance.
Once celebrated as the youngest player of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Wilfried Nathan Douala finds himself at the heart of a burgeoning scandal that threatens to overshadow his nascent career.
The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFO0T) has temporarily suspended 62 players for age fraud a list that disconcertingly includes Douala.
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This announcement comes just as these players were gearing up for the play-offs of Cameroon's premier football competition, the MTN Elite One, casting a shadow over the event scheduled to commence this Friday.
According to Daily Mail, FECAFOOT's crackdown on age fraud extends beyond individual players, implicating 12 out of the 16 clubs set to participate in the play-offs.
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The federation's stern stance is clear that those accused will not partake in the competition unless they can conclusively disprove the allegations of dual identities.
Douala, who claimed to be 17, has been particularly spotlighted given his selection for the Cameroonian squad in the recent AFCON held in Cote d'Ivoire.
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Despite high hopes, his potential remained untapped on the field, with Douala not participating in any match, sidelined throughout the tournament.
The issue of age fraud is not new to Cameroonian football, nor is it a challenge exclusive to this central African nation.
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However, the persistent nature of these allegations within Cameroon, especially involving its footballers, has led to intensified scrutiny.
The practice has often been cited as a factor hindering the transition of success from youth to senior levels in the sport.
Cameroon's football leadership, under President Samuel Eto'o, has shown a marked commitment to addressing this malaise.
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In the summer of 2022, a significant move was made when 44 players from eight clubs were summoned for a hearing into alleged age or identity falsification.
The problem escalated further in January 2023, with a scandal that saw 21 members of the Under-17 squad disqualified for similar reasons.
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