Dozens of Cameroonian professional football players have been suspended following allegations of lying about their age. A total of 62 footballers were slapped with suspension orders by the Cameroon Football Federation.
The federation is run by former superstar and African footballer of the year, Samuel Eto’o. Additionally, the suspended players are accused of “double identity”.
Among the suspended footballers is Nathan Douala, the (alleged) 17-year-old who was part of the Cameroon squad for the recent African Nations Cup. Lying about age among footballers is a challenge that is unique to Cameroon, it happens throughout the continent.
Apparently, players reduce their age as a ploy to attract interest of foreign scouts. Football journalist Usher Komugisha said: “Nathan does not look like a 17-year-old. Common sense should have prevailed.”
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