Chad expelled from CAN U17 qualifiers for cheating on age

January 13 - Chad are the latest nation to fall foul of the age-testing saga rocking African football after being disqualified from the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations regional qualifiers which are due to start on January 12.

The ban comes after one of their players failed an MRI age test.

Last week, hosts Cameroon were forced to sack more than 30 potential players for failing tests ordered by federation boss Samuel Eto'o

Chad's disqualification follows Congo's withdrawal from the five-team qualifier after 25 of the 40 players were also ruled of age.

FIFA introduced MRI scans during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was held in Nigeria.

Chad were due to face Congo-Brazzaville in the opening match that will decide regional qualification for the 12-team Under-17 Nations Cup in April in Algeria.

Allegations of overage players have been a long-standing concern for African football, particularly at youth level. In 2019, Guinea were expelled from the Under-17 World Cup after two of their players were found guilty of cheating on age.

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