May 12, (THEWILL)- Age fraud in youth football competitions has been a pervasive problem that has plagued the sport for decades, transcending national boundaries and tarnishing the principles of fair play. The recent discovery of overage players in the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) MRI scans for the WAFU B U17 competition is a stark reminder of the persistence of this issue and the need for decisive action.
The spectre of age fraud has long cast a shadow over Nigerian football, with the country’s youth national teams being banned by FIFA for two years in 1989 for fielding overage players in FIFA-organised Under-20 World Cup of 1985. This two-year ban and the subsequent stripping of Nigeria’s right to host the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship served as a harsh wake-up call, yet the problem persisted.
South African journalist Thomas Kwenaite’s uncovering of age cheats representing South Africa in an Under-15 age group tournament and Kenya’s dissolution of its Under-17 national team in 2003 after players revealed themselves to be over 18 years-old further highlighted the pervasiveness of this issue across the African continent. Adokiye Amiesimaka’s accusations of the NFF being complicit with age cheats, though not taken seriously at the time, foreshadowed the challenges that lie ahead in eradicating this practice.
The implications of age fraud are far-reaching and detrimental to the development of genuine young talents. Players who are genuinely within the age range are denied opportunities to compete and hone their skills, while those who are overage often find themselves past their prime by the time they reach the senior level, diminishing their effectiveness in representing the country.
Moreover, age fraud undermines the integrity of youth competitions and the principles of fair play that are fundamental to the sport. It creates an uneven playing field, where physical advantages and deception overshadow true skill and talent development.
The recent decision by the NFF to conduct MRI scans on invited players for the WAFU B U17 competition is a commendable step towards addressing this issue. MRI scans have proven to be a reliable method for determining the age of players, with FIFA introducing them at the 2009 U17 World Cup. However, the fact that a significant number of players were found to be beyond the age range raises questions about the effectiveness of the NFF’s current measures and the motives of those involved in perpetuating this deceit.
The desire for competitive advantage and the prospect of being scouted by European clubs often fuels the temptation to resort to age fraud. Players from economically disadvantaged countries recognise that their chances of being signed decrease significantly if they are perceived as older, leading them to falsify their ages or use false documentation.
Moreover, the involvement of coaching staff and crew members in facilitating age fraud points to a systemic issue within the ranks of those entrusted with nurturing and developing young talents. Their collusion with age cheats undermines the integrity of the sport and jeopardises the future of Nigerian football.
Yet, age fraud is not a problem unique to Nigeria. It is a global issue that has plagued youth competitions worldwide. From DPR Korea to Iraq, from Mexico to Ecuador and from Bangladesh to England’s Alf Ramsey, who was accused of altering his date of birth to facilitate signing a professional contract, instances of overage players being discovered in age-range competitions have been well-documented, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to combat this practice.
This is why the responsibility falls upon the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and football governing bodies worldwide to take decisive action against age fraud. Even more stringent measures, including mandatory MRI scans, robust verification processes and harsher penalties for perpetrators and their collaborators, must be implemented.
Furthermore, educational campaigns aimed at promoting the values of fair play, sportsmanship and the long-term benefits of honest competition should be prioritised. By fostering a culture of integrity from the grassroots level upwards, football bodies can deter potential age cheats and their enablers.
As the WAFU B U17 competition approaches, a united front against age cheating is imperative. Together with national football Federations, CAF must insist that African football authorities, especially in Nigeria, forge a fair and transparent system that nurtures genuine talents, ensuring the future of the sport nationally, continentally and even globally – remains untainted by deceit.
Football’s governing bodies must lead the charge, implementing comprehensive reforms and fostering a culture of accountability. Only then can the beautiful game’s integrity be preserved for generations to come.
To effectively combat age fraud, robust age verification processes must be established and enforced consistently. While MRI scans have proven valuable, they should be complemented by rigorous document verification, background checks and cross-referencing with official records.
Collaboration between football governing bodies, government agencies, and grassroots organisations is essential to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of player documentation. This collaborative effort can help identify and prevent the use of falsified records, which have been a common means of facilitating age fraud.
Furthermore, the implementation of biometric data collection and secure databases can aid in tracking player information and detecting any discrepancies or attempts at deception. By leveraging technology and fostering inter-agency cooperation, age verification processes can become more robust and less susceptible to manipulation.
While preventive measures are crucial, deterrents in the form of severe penalties for those caught engaging in age fraud are equally important. Currently, the consequences for age fraud vary across different competitions and governing bodies, often lacking the necessary severity to discourage such practices. The NFF should establish a unified and stringent policy for penalising age cheats, including lengthy bans for players, coaches and officials involved. Financial sanctions and potential criminal charges for document forgery or fraud should also be considered to send a strong message that age fraud will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, clubs and Academies found to be complicit in age fraud should face severe consequences, such as point deductions, transfer bans, or even relegation, to discourage a culture of enabling age fraud. By implementing such harsher penalties and consistently enforcing them, the risks associated with age cheating will outweigh any perceived benefits, deterring potential perpetrators and their collaborators.
While regulatory measures are essential, fostering a culture of integrity and fair play is equally crucial in combating age cheating. Educational campaigns targeting players, coaches, officials, and grassroots organisations should emphasise the importance of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and the long-term benefits of honest competition. Workshops, seminars, and mentorship programmes can be organised to instil the values of integrity from a young age, shaping the mindsets of future generations of footballers and administrators. If this deep appreciation for fair play and the spirit of the game can be cultivated early, potential age cheats and their enablers may be dissuaded from engaging in such practices.
Furthermore, positive role models within the football community can serve as ambassadors, using their platforms to promote the virtues of honesty, dedication, and respect for the rules. Their influence can inspire aspiring young players to prioritise skill development and ethical conduct over shortcuts and deception.
The truth is, age cheating in youth football competitions is a complex issue that demands a multifaceted approach involving regulatory reforms, stringent penalties, and a cultural shift towards integrity. By addressing the root causes, implementing robust age verification processes, and fostering a culture of fair play, the beautiful game can reclaim its purity and nurture the genuine talents that fuel its enduring appeal especially in Nigeria where the sport transcends the football field and is part and parcel of daily living.
Through collective action, unwavering dedication, and a shared vision of preserving the integrity of football, Nigeria can ensure that youth competitions serve their intended purpose: providing a level playing field for young talents to thrive, develop their skills, and contribute to the growth of the beautiful game for generations to come while preparing the next class of senior team players ready to excel at the senior level while in their prime.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
