English football has been rocked by a scandal in its lower divisions involving Manchester United and Manchester City.
The Telegraph reports that the two Manchester teams were involved in a plot to import youngsters from abroad and that six of the top stars from their respective academies may not be the age they claimed to be.
The English newspaper, which claims to have evidence and photographs, does not mention the names of the young footballers involved and reports that there are suspicions that several of them may have already reached the age of majority.
Ren Rumsby reports that three of the six players suspected of playing with a false age have gone on to become internationals with England at youth level.
The photographs would show that the six youth players played in lower age groups in their home countries.
The scandal was uncovered to ‘Telegraph Sport’ by several parents of other children who also play in the youth ranks of Manchester City and Manchester United.
There is no official response from City, United, the Premier League or the Home Office
The two Manchester clubs, the Premier League and the Home Office declined to comment on the age fraud scandal and would not confirm whether they were planning to take any action.
There is no suggestion that United or City have deliberately allowed age fraud in their academies.
Official sources assure that everything was done in compliance with the regulations, including the hiring and registration of the players in question.
None of the players have undergone scientific tests that could indicate their real age
In England, there are doubts as to whether enough has been done to verify the age of the six players. The ‘Telegraph Sport’ reports that none of them have undergone scientific tests that could indicate the age of a child or whether someone is over 18.
According to the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, these tests can be carried out on those subject to immigration control when entering the UK. This includes those who do not have sufficient evidence to prove their age and their claim to be a minor is in doubt, or who claim to be an adult but are suspected of being a minor.
The age fraud plot in English football could end in a crime of child trafficking
Any age fraud scandal involving young players at English clubs would also raise the possibility of child trafficking to the UK.
According to FIFA rules, teams are effectively banned from signing minors who have moved countries unless their parents or legal guardians have moved for non-footballing reasons. Falsifying the age of a young player would raise questions about the motive for such a move.
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