U17 AFCON: CAF cracks down on age fraud
Ahead of the U17 AFCON in Algeria, CAF has unveiled its new protocol for verifying players' ages.
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CAF is taking a hard line on age fraud. After a string of controversies in the qualifying tournaments, notably the UNIFFAC zone event, which saw Cameroon and Chad thrown out, and the removal of 25 players from the DR Congo squad, the Confederation of African Football has unveiled its new regulations on MRI tests (magnetic resonance imaging), designed to combat age fraud in youth tournaments. The aim is to avoid disputes and fresh suspicions during the U17 AFCON, which takes place in Algeria from 29 April to 19 May.
Read more: U17 AFCON: Chad disqualified as UNIFFAC tournament descends into fiasco
"The CAF Executive Committee has approved the recommendations made by the CAF Youth Football Organising Committee and the CAF Medical Committee to amend Article 27 of the regulations of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations", the continental governing body said in a statement outlining the new protocol for MRI testing of all teams, before and during the competition.
As for testing during the competition, CAF states that all participating teams must arrive at least five days before the start of the tournament. The cost of MRI tests during the U17 AFCON will be covered by CAF. "Participating teams may be subject to MRI tests, which must be carried out no earlier than five (5) days before the start of the competition", the statement reads. "CAF reserves the right to carry out an MRI test at any time before or during the competition."
Teams with four or more cases will be disqualified
Teams will be able to challenge the results if some of their players are declared ineligible, but within a set time limit. "Any request for a second reading for a player deemed ineligible must be sent to CAF by email no later than 3 hours after notification of the result of the first reading", the governing body explains.
However, teams in which too many cases of suspected age fraud emerge from the MRI tests will pay a heavy price. Under the terms of the new CAF regulations, any team with four or more players deemed ineligible will be automatically disqualified. For teams with one to three cases, the players concerned will not be allowed to take part in the competition. Their team can still play in the U17 AFCON, but without being able to replace them in the squad. That is why CAF has allowed participating teams to select up to 26 players. It remains to be seen whether all these measures, and above all the sanctions provided for, will deter would-be fraudsters.