Manchester United and Manchester City are facing scrutiny over a potential age-fraud scandal involving their foreign-born academy players.
Evidence has emerged casting doubt on the stated ages of six footballers who moved to the UK in recent years.
Three of these players have represented England at youth level, raising concerns that some may actually be adults rather than the minors they claim to be.
The evidence includes photographs showing these players had competed in much older age groups in their home countries than their claimed ages would suggest.
Manchester United and Manchester City are facing scrutiny over a potential age-fraud scandal involving their foreign-born academy players
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The Daily Telegraph has not named the players as the evidence doesn't conclusively prove age falsification.
Some or all may still be vulnerable minors.
There is no suggestion that either Manchester United or Manchester City knowingly enabled age-cheating at their academies.
Parents whose sons have attended the academies told the newspaper they had previously raised concerns with staff about the players under suspicion.
These concerns were reportedly also brought to the attention of safeguarding teams at both the Football Association and Premier League.
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Despite these alerts, the players continued to represent their clubs and remained eligible for England selection based on their stated ages.
At least half of the players have been educated in UK schools in year groups corresponding to their claimed ages.
Questions have been raised about whether enough has been done to verify these players' ages.
The Telegraph says none of the six players have undergone scientific testing that could indicate their true age or confirm if they're over 18.
Such tests can be carried out under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 on those "subject to immigration control" entering the UK without sufficient evidence of their age.
Similar testing is common in countries with histories of age fraud.
Manchester United issued a statement emphasising their commitment to operating within the rules set by governing bodies.
"We take our responsibilities for player wellbeing and safeguarding very seriously," the club said.
They added: "We take pride in the reputation we have developed for considering the participants in our programmes as first and foremost children, rather than players."
The club stressed their recruitment process "is focused firmly on future potential rather than current performance or physical development."
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Man United have released a statement with the club at the centre of age fraud claims
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The newspaper reports Manchester City are confident they have followed all legal and regulatory obligations set by statutory agencies.
One source noted it's not unusual for talented young players to compete several years above their age group.
The source added it would be impractical to test all academy players and unacceptable to age-test children based on geographic origin.
Another source indicated the FA and Premier League rely on Home Office determinations when reviewing player registration applications.
Any age-cheating scandal could raise concerns about children being "trafficked" into the UK.
FIFA rules largely prohibit clubs from signing children who have moved countries unless their parents relocated for non-footballing reasons.
Age falsification would raise questions about the motives behind such moves.
The six players had been in the UK for years before the evidence emerged, but the Home Office can still act against suspected historic immigration fraud.
