AfricaNews sports desk
FIFA has ordered bone tests to be performed on players at the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria to catch teams who have picked ineligible over-age players. The decision follows reports from Nigeria that the host nation hoped to select a number of players for the October 24-November 15 finals who were too old.
Football's global governing body said it would conduct the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests “to protect the integrity of the tournament and in the spirit of fair play.”
Nigeria, which is the defending champion, has a tradition of success at world age group tournaments but has been dogged by rumours that it has fielded over-age players.
FIFA said MRI tests on wrist bones had been developed by its medical research center which allow it to determine the age of players, according to Ghanasoccernet.
“MRI of the wrist can identify players who are definitely above 17 years,” FIFA said in a statement. “It is reliable, evidence-based and safe for the player.”
Players from the 24 competing nations – which include Brazil, Iran, Japan, Spain and the United States – will be randomly selected for testing.
FIFA said it encouraged the 24 teams to conduct their own tests to ensure all players comply with the age rule.
Tournament regulations state players must be born on or after January 1, 1992.
Egyptians vote in historic election23/05
Africa Day 2012 - a moment for reflection and…22/05
South Africa's African agenda21/05
Women struggle to rinse hunger, poverty stains21/05
Climate Climate change affects migratory birds…21/05
Ghana: Foreign retailers cited for currency…18/05
Veld fires 'flame' Zimbabwe's…16/05
Liberia commends ECOWAS for support14/05
