It always erupts again when it seems forgotten. This time, it's the two teams from Manchester.

The Telegraph reported on the 19th (Korea time) that "Manchester United and Manchester City academy players have been at the center of age manipulation allegations."

According to the report, suspicions regarding the actual ages of six foreign football players who have immigrated to the UK in recent years have been raised. Among them, three have played for the England youth national team, and photo evidence suggests that they participated in matches with players who are significantly older than the officially registered age in their home country. These circumstances imply that some players could possibly be adults.

The Telegraph noted that it cannot prove the players' ages are officially incorrect, and because some or all of them may still be minors, it decided not to disclose the players' Shinwon.

Additionally, while there is no evidence that Manchester United and Manchester City deliberately turned a blind eye to age manipulation, there is controversy over the need for both clubs to take further measures to prevent it.

Some of the players' parents have already raised suspicions with club officials, and it is known that some parents reported the issue to the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League's safeguarding team.

The Telegraph reported that "These players are still active at Manchester United and Manchester City, maintaining eligibility to play for the England national team based on their officially registered age."

To date, no scientific age assessments have been conducted on the players. The Telegraph explained that "According to the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, age assessments are possible for individuals subjected to immigration control upon entry into the UK. According to the guidance from the administration, assessments can be conducted if there is insufficient evidence to prove age and if there is doubt about whether an individual is a child."

The media stated that "This controversy suggests that English clubs may have illegally recruited age-manipulated players, which raises the possibility that they migrated to the UK unlawfully. According to FIFA regulations, overseas transfers of players under the age of 18 are effectively prohibited unless parents or legal guardians relocate due to reasons other than football. Therefore, if transfers were pursued by manipulating age, an investigation into the background may also be necessary."

The administration did not mention whether it plans to investigate the players' photographs and other evidence. The Telegraph reported that "In some countries, there are cases of bribes given to corrupt officials in order to obtain false identification, raising the possibility that age manipulation is not just a paperwork issue but a more complex structural problem."

Manchester United, in an official statement, said, "We are fully compliant with all regulations concerning academy operations and prioritize the welfare and protection of players. We also take pride in creating an academy environment that recognizes players not merely as 'players' but first as 'children.'"

Manchester City maintains that it faithfully fulfills its legal and regulatory obligations. One official argued, "It is common for excellent players to excel at levels higher than their age group, and it is not appropriate to mandate age assessments solely based on their regional origin."

Officials from the FA and Premier League stated that they review academy player registrations based on age assessment results and do not have the authority to carry out additional age assessments.

The Telegraph reported that "This controversy is likely to have a direct impact on the fairness and safety of youth football in the UK, as some parents are concerned that British youth prospects might be disadvantaged by having to compete against foreign players whose ages have been manipulated."

According to reports from the media, one parent stated, "My son has now given up football. He no longer wants to play either at school or anywhere else," emphasizing the impact that age manipulation suspicions have on young players.

The Telegraph expressed concern that problems may also arise when players register within the UK school system. The media reported that "If a 16-year-old is assigned to an 11- or 12-year-old class, there is a risk of social issues arising within the school."

It is unclear whether this controversy will end simply as a passing incident or lead to a formal investigation. However, there is an increasing call for stronger age verification procedures for foreign players to enhance the transparency and reliability of the English youth football system.

One parent pointed out, "Clubs have sufficient funds and resources to conduct these assessments. Nevertheless, it is difficult to understand why no action has been taken."

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