African Star In Age-Cheating Scandal

The captain of an African country is reportedly under investigation for allegedly lying about his age.

It has been reported that former Newcastle United centre-back Chancel Mbemba has found himself in the middle of an age-cheating scandal in Portugal.

The Porto defender, who captains DR Congo on the international stage, is accused of having used four different dates of birth going back to his first move to Europe from his country of birth.

Mbemba reportedly changed his age when completing a transfer from his native Congo to Anderlecht in Belgium a decade ago.

Guirane N’Daw (Senegal) – admitted to lying about his age after he retired

Sibusiso Mzizi (South Africa) – used a fake passport to lie about his age by five years

Meschack Elia (DR Congo) – admitted to lying about his age

Angel Cheme (Ecuador) – claimed to be three years younger than he was, also lied about his real name

Carlos Alberto (Brazil) – claimed to be five years younger than he was

Tobie Mimboe (Senegal) – caught age-cheating on numerous occasions

Gourav Mukhi (India) – claimed to be 16 years old, but was 28 years old

Seuntjie Motlhajwa (South Africa) – claimed to be two years younger than he was

The player's age was looked into upon his arrival at the Magpies in 2015, with the defender undergoing bone tests that were believed to confirm he was born in 1994, which is the year he claimed to be born in.

According to Portuguese outlet Corriero de Manha, however, new evidence has emerged suggesting otherwise, which could lead to Porto allowing the player to leave in June when his current contract expires.

It is further suggested that Mbemba has previously communicated to friends that he was actually born in 1990, which would make him about 31 years old instead of 27 years old. There was also said to be an investigation into his date of birth back in 2013.

The former Premier League defender has made 116 appearances for Porto since 2018, winning three trophies along the way.

Related tags