Cameroon’s Wilfried Nathan Douala Reportedly Cleared of False Identity

• Wilfried Nathan Douala has been cleared of age and identity fraud
• The Cameroonian was suspended earlier this month, along with 62 others
• Douala was part of the Indomitable Lions squad for the 2023 AFCON

Earlier this month, Cameroon football was rocked by age fraud and false identities from 62 players, including Wilfried Nathan Douala, who was part of the 20923 Africa Cup of Nations team.

The player has reportedly been cleared of any wrongdoing and is allowed to play in the upcoming MTN Elite 2024 playoffs for Victoria.

Former Cameroon coach Rigobert Song surprisingly picked 17-year-old Douala for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He had no international experience and played for second-division side Victoria United.

He stole the show in Ivory Coast for leading Cameroon's entrance videos. He never played a single minute as his nation exited the tournament at the Round of 16.

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During the tournament, questions arose about Douala's age. Many wondered if he really was 17 years old.

A report by French publication Le Monde disclosed that Douala had played for the Indomitable Lions before using the name Alexandre Bardelli and was over 21 years old, as reported by the Guardian.

According to tournament regulations, a national association will be suspended from the two AFCON editions if fraud or forgery is committed. Moreover, they will be banned from the next AFCON tournament if there was an administrative error in the registration of players

Douala cleared of false identity

According to Get Football News France, Douala has been cleared and will play for his side in the upcoming MTN Elite 2024 playoffs.

The report adds that the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed Doualqa's age. The latest saga is just one of the latest controversies to plague Cameroon football.

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Andre Onana's 2022 World Cup saga, FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto'o's match-fixing allegations, and the 2014 World Cup match-fixing allegations are some of the scandals that have rocked the West African football giants.

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Sports Brief earlier reported when Cameroonian police investigated Eto'o.

In July 2023, he was accused of match-fixing in Cameroon’s second tier after leaked audio. The former Inter Milan striker reportedly promised to manipulate matches to ensure a club is promoted.