The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) has been plunged into turmoil following the revelation of a widespread age fraud scandal, with 62 players suspended from all football activities after evidence emerged suggesting they had misrepresented their ages.
Among those implicated is Wilfried Nathan Douala, a rising star who became the face of Cameroon's national team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Douala hailed as an upcoming talent at just 17 years old during the tournament, now finds himself at the center of controversy as Fecafoot's investigation exposes discrepancies in his reported age. The midfielder, who represented Limbe-based Victoria United FC, had gathered significant attention for his age and physical outlook, capturing the imagination of football fans across the continent.
However, the excitement surrounding Douala's potential has been overshadowed by the startling revelation that his age may have been falsified.
According to a viral post circulating on social media, Douala is among a group of players who have been suspended for possessing "double identities" and providing inaccurate information regarding their ages.
Wilfried Nathan Douala did not feature in any of Cameroon's games at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
🚨 OFFICIAL: The Cameroonian Federation has suspended 62 players for age fraud, including Wilfried Nathan Douala, Victoria United midfielder who was selected at the last AFCON and claims to be 17-years old! 😱
These 62 players, including Douala, were suspended for double… pic.twitter.com/1s5eaaH9VG
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 11, 2024