Cameroon Suspends 17-Year-Old AFCON Star and 61 Others for Age Fraud

In a startling revelation, Wilfried Nathan Douala, alongside 61 other Cameroonian players, has been suspended by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) for falsifying their ages.

Wilfried Nathan Douala – The AFCON 2023 Star

The suspension follows a thorough investigation that unearthed evidence of age fraud, with some players allegedly misrepresenting their ages by over a decade.

Among those implicated in the age fraud scandal is Wilfried Nathan Douala, a 17-year-old midfielder who gained prominence during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament.

Despite being hailed as a rising star during the competition, Douala’s true age has come under scrutiny following FECAFOOT’s findings.

According to reports from Pulse Sports, Douala’s participation in AFCON 2023 raised eyebrows, with questions surrounding the authenticity of his age. FECAFOOT’s investigation revealed discrepancies, leading to Douala’s suspension along with 61 other players for allegedly concealing their true ages and having “double identities.”

The revelation has thrown Douala’s promising career into uncertainty, with implications for his eligibility to compete at the international level under false pretences.

Also Read: AFCON Team Of The Tournament: Ivory Coast, Nigeria stars dominate continental showpiece

FECAFOOT to Take Further Action

FECAFOOT’s decisive action underscores the integrity challenges faced by football governing bodies like FECAFOOT and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The suspension of Douala and others highlights broader concerns regarding the prevalence of age manipulation within African football youth setups.

FECAFOOT’s move suggests that such fraudulent practices may extend beyond Cameroon, indicating a systemic issue that requires urgent attention.

The scandal surrounding Douala’s age fraud has shattered the image of the young prodigy, exposing the complexities and controversies that often accompany the rise of football talent in Africa.

Despite initial acclaim, doubts surrounding Douala’s age have cast a shadow over his achievements and raised questions about the authenticity of his performances on the field.

As FECAFOOT grapples with the fallout from the age fraud scandal, football enthusiasts and stakeholders await further developments, hoping for measures to address the underlying issues and uphold the integrity of the sport.