Cameroon Suspends National Team Player Wilfried Douala, 61 Others For Age Fraud

Douala made headlines following his inclusion in the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has suspended Cameroonian international Wilfried Nathan Douala from playing in the country’s domestic league over allegations of age fraud

According to the BBC, Douala, who claimed to be 17, was one of the 62 players suspended by FECAFOOT from featuring in the Elite League’s play-offs over age cheating and double identities.

Douala made global headlines following his inclusion in the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. His old physical appearance prompted questions about his actual age. 

French newspaper Le Monde also conducted an investigation that showed a discrepancy in Douala’s age ahead of the tournament, but FECAFOOT did not comment on the report.

However, the federation has now decided to act on the scandals that have rocked football in the country in recent years and will suspend Doualla and 61 others from playing until they can prove their ages and identities.

Responding to the sanction, Victoria United—with seven of its players, including Douala, affected by the FECAFOOT’s decision—refuted claims of double identities in a statement on Tuesday.

“We do not have double identities as speculated by Fecafoot. We believe that this might be an error from Fecafoot,” a club statement said.

“We call on our supporters to remain calm as we have submitted the necessary documents to justify that the players do not have a double identity,” it added.