Manchester United and Manchester City are facing questions over a potential age-fraud scandal involving some of their foreign-born academy players.

Evidence has emerged casting doubt on the stated ages of six footballers to have moved to the UK in the past several years – three of whom have played for England at youth level – and raising the prospect some may even be adults. It includes photographs indicating each of the six had played in much older year groups in their homelands than the age they purportedly would have been at the time.

Telegraph Sport is not naming the players involved because the photographs and other records do not prove their stated ages are false and because some or all may still be vulnerable minors. There is also no suggestion United or City have knowingly enabled age-cheating at their academies. But the evidence – of which both clubs are aware – does raise questions about whether they could do more to ensure it and other related offences are not occurring.

Reader Comments (4)

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Brian Harrison
1 Posted 20/03/2025 at 11:10:21
I read a piece by the Esk yesterday, it was about some Premier League clubs falsifying the ages of some of their academy players.

I've seen a headline from The Telegraph suggesting it was Man Utd and Man City. Does anyone have any more information on it?

Kieran Kinsella
2 Posted 20/03/2025 at 13:14:43
Brian,

Basically, some kids who've played for Man City and Man Utd played in older age groups overseas before playing for them. City pointed out that kids often play in older age groups so this isn't proof they (now playing in their proper and younger age groups) are older kids now pretending to be younger.

They also say they followed requirements for documentation etc so, if these kids are older, then the club are unaware and not complicit.

Jimmy Salt
3 Posted 21/03/2025 at 08:57:41
Despicable.

Imagine having players who are older than stated.

On another unrelated note does anyone remember that fantastic semi at Elland Road in 96? Ahh... what a game.

Alan J Thompson
5 Posted 21/03/2025 at 10:15:53
I've read somewhere that some players are being signed at 4 and 5 years of age, probably not from Africa.

Why haven't the Premier League, FIFA or UEFA got something that demands parents or guardians of players under the age of consent must show verifiable proof of age? Or at least a sworn affidavit of same giving details?

Clubs failing to undertake proper checks or commit multiple offences are banned from signing players from outside their country of competition.

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