Just had a quick read Age fraud is a term for age fabrication or the use of false documentation to gain an advantage over opponents. In football, it is common amongst players belonging to nations where records are not easily verifiable. The media often refer to the player with false documentation as an "age-cheat". There are several reasons why players choose to use false documentation. In countries that could be considered poor, European scouts are looking for young talented players to sign for a European club. The players know that there is a lesser chance of being signed if they are, for example, 23 years old as opposed to 17 years old as there would be less time for the club to develop the player. FIFA say that "over-age players have been wrongly entered into various youth competitions, often benefiting from an unfair advantage due to their greater physical maturity compared to players of the proper age."[1] In some cases, it is possible for the player not to know their own date of birth and make an estimated guess when it comes to gaining official documents. Interesting
It was back when Real and barca played 4 times in a month! league, CL(2x), and Copa del Rey and Mourinho was giving it to Barca in the media. Pep finally lost it.... [video=youtube;xIPRIIETpGU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIPRIIETpGU[/video] This is a snippet a lot more was cut out where is more emotional.
Think it was the under 19's World Cup or something few years ago where one of the African team had 7 players who's birthday was all 1st Jan on the same year. Coincidence?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26174252 There is the article. Syrian not African but you get my drift.
