Six Indian football entities appeal to AIFF suggesting measures against age fraud

AIFF needs to deal with age fraud seriously for the development of the sport.

Age fraud has been one of the main problems in modern football. From AIFF’s Golden Baby Leagues to the national camp, the domestic football pyramid has been divided according to specific criteria. The distribution of age-groups has always been one such characteristic. Players pull on the senior team crest after competing at the youth level and up to the U-21 level.

Six Indian football entities have banded together to speak out against this ongoing practice because it is becoming a major cause for concern. Dempo SC, Bengaluru FC, FC Madras, FC Goa, RYFC, and Mizoram FA are these stakeholders.

The six undersigned claim to AIFF in the letter that no child ever considers age fraud as soon as they come of age. The intelligentsia around them is what comes up with the idea to purposefully choose the incorrect route to accomplish their aspirations. This intelligence encompasses the child’s teachers, coaches and, regrettably, parents on occasion.

It’s time to talk! An open letter to Indian Football 📩https://t.co/QaRp5oAemR pic.twitter.com/l3QyqjmGvq

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) June 15, 2024

They have petitioned the AIFF to establish an amnesty program similar to what the Badminton Federation of India has effectively done to address this widespread problem. By doing this, the current system will be cleaned up and a more fair, open and honest foundation for Indian football’s future can be built.

Under their appeal, the following actions must be performed to guarantee fair competition.

• Not to hide behind documentation or faulty medical testing, or to stick to formal government identification. Promise to go above and beyond to confirm any questionable circumstances, including requesting academic transcripts, medical documents, community interviews and so on.
• Organize competitions limited to clubs and academies with a reputation for integrity, beginning with an annual U-15 event for the undersigned.
• Beginning with the 2025–2026 season, include anti-age fraud information on our training outfit.
• Speak out about the problem and take part in advocacy and education activities to help get the word out.

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