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The Indomitable Lions have won the prestigious AFCON tournament a commendable five times but could be barred from participating in the next two editions
Cameroon could be facing a possible ban from future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments after a recent sweep of players who falsified their ages within the country’s federation structure including a member of the 2023 AFCON squad.
Cameroon's football federation, FECAFOOT suspended Wilfried Douala, a player selected for the 2023 AFCON held in the Ivory Coast, along with 62 other players, citing administrative irregularities, primarily instances of double identity and age falsification.
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The suspension stems from allegations of falsifying personal information, including name and date of birth. This development has put Cameroon's participation in future AFCON tournaments at risk, with potential consequences looming large.
Surprise Selection And Allegations of Age Cheating
Douala's inclusion in Cameroon's AFCON squad raised eyebrows even before the tournament commenced. Hailing from the relatively unknown second division club Victoria United, Douala lacked any prior international experience. Furthermore, questions regarding his age surfaced, with social media users speculating on whether he truly was a teenager.
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Investigations by the French daily Le Monde uncovered startling information about Douala's past and the publication claimed that The Indomitable Lions’ “youngest player at AFCON” had previously played in the Cameroonian league under a different name and was allegedly over 21 years old.
Ramifications For Cameroon And Possible AFCON Ban
Despite inquiries from Le Monde, FECAFOOT chose not to address the irregularity before the AFCON tournament commenced.
However, tournament regulations stipulate severe consequences for such violations. If fraud or forgery is established, the national association in question faces suspension from participating in the subsequent two editions of the AFCON.
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Additionally, any administrative errors in player registration could result in the national association's exclusion from the following edition.
As the news of Douala's suspension and the subsequent implications for Cameroon's participation in future AFCON tournaments reverberates, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been approached for comment.
The footballing community waits anxiously for CAF's response and the potential ramifications this revelation could have on Cameroon's footballing future.
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