Can we get Mark Lawrenson to play for the Development squad ?

ditchy

a man with a sound track record as a source of qua

Jul 8, 2003

5,208

brighton

• May 29, 2014

• #1

Joseph Minala: Italian FA confirms Lazio youth player is 17

Lazio midfielder Joseph Minala did not lie about his age, an official Italian Football Association (FIGC) investigation has ruled.
An African football website stated in February that Cameroon-born Minala was 42 but claiming to be 17.
The accusation led to an official investigation which saw him questioned by the league's federal prosecutor.
"The investigation did not show any need for disciplinary action," an FIGC statement read.
Minala joined the Rome club last summer and played for them in the Viareggio Cup youth tournament. in February.

 

Last edited by a moderator: May 29, 2014

KZNSeagull

Well-known member

Nov 26, 2007

19,794

Wolsingham, County Durham

• May 29, 2014

• #2

It's a hard life in Cameroon, you know.

 

beorhthelm

A. Virgo, Football Genius

Jul 21, 2003

35,292

• May 29, 2014

• #3

i cant really see that you'd lie that you are 20+ years younger, and it would be pretty obvious on the training pitch (and physio table, where he'd spend most his time), so going to give the benefit of the doubt.

 

B

BigGully

Well-known member

Sep 8, 2006

7,139

• May 29, 2014

• #4

beorhthelm said:

i cant really see that you'd lie that you are 20+ years younger, and it would be pretty obvious on the training pitch (and physio table, where he'd spend most his time), so going to give the benefit of the doubt.

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Its been happening within our own Academy systems here in England for years.

Ask any academy hopeful and they will tell you about the unshaven 13 year old brigade that you can come across quite regularly.

Of course there are inevitable 'big boys' that do have a genuine young age, but there are many that knock a few years off, sometimes to catch up with their education and if you are a savvy agent/parent nothing wrong with being an outstanding 13 year old footballer rather than an average 15 year old one, if this age somehow becomes an accepted age ( no documentation ) then you have a big advantage over the others.

 

beorhthelm

A. Virgo, Football Genius

Jul 21, 2003

35,292

• May 29, 2014

• #5

i can see a few years being shaved off, and in districts of some countries the local administration would not be entirely accurate. but not 20, you wouldn't expect to get away with it, and unless you'd been grown in a lab with superhuman cellular structure, i don't believe you'd get away with it.

 

C

Cheeky Monkey

Well-known member

Jul 17, 2003

23,033

• May 29, 2014

• #6

Black don't crack. White boys would never get away with it though.

 

R

Ravids

Active member

Jun 19, 2013

437

Fishersgate Maritime Village

• May 29, 2014

• #7

The guy is clearly not 17, Lazio in complete denial about all this.

 

B

BigGully

Well-known member

Sep 8, 2006

7,139

• May 29, 2014

• #8

Ravids said:

The guy is clearly not 17, Lazio in complete denial about all this.

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Ok this seems extreme and more importantly other clubs are unlikely to accept his given age diminishing his worth, however when an overage player can become accepted by other clubs that think you have a technically and physically outstanding performer, then he can become a £million asset.

Everyone is waiting for that one 'youngster' at makes some clubs quite gullible or a bit corrupt, take your pick.