It is difficult in Western Europe because they have better statistics about births and deaths. Moreover, they organise their youth football strictly on the year you were born basis ... read full comment
... but Africans are the worst offenders.
It is difficult in Western Europe because they have better statistics about births and deaths. Moreover, they organise their youth football strictly on the year you were born basis. Cohorts born in the same year play together and the teams are identified by the years of birth. Your national identity card or social security number is based on your day of birth. Child benefits are paid according to your year of birth. The records are all computerized. It is extremely difficult to come at a later date and claim you were born on a different date. You cannot because your national number identifies you everywhere you go.
It is not so in Africa and other third world countries. And in Africa, we just like short cuts to everything and cheating and paying bribes everywhere - not only in football.
That is why we do well at FIFA youth tournaments and have never even reached semi-final in the World Cup where we can no longer cheat on age.
It's sad for Africa. I don't care whether Asia and South America do it too. We must stop that in Africa!!!
FABULOUS THE BEST & GREATEST 8 years ago
Thanks, NII, for this piece. You hit the nail right on the head.
Thanks, NII, for this piece. You hit the nail right on the head.
... but Africans are the worst offenders.
It is difficult in Western Europe because they have better statistics about births and deaths. Moreover, they organise their youth football strictly on the year you were born basis ...
read full comment
Thanks, NII, for this piece. You hit the nail right on the head.