Benin youth players and FA boss handed prison sentences for age cheating

A court in Cotonou found the players guilty of lying about their ages, as they were found to have failed MRI tests in Niger.

The failed tests carried out in September, saw Benin disqualified from last month's regional qualification for the 2019 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, as they were not allowed to feature in the tournament in Niger. 

The players were given 6 month sentences, with five of those being suspended.The players have been held in prison since their return from Niamey in September. 

The former president of the Benin Football Federation (FBF), Moucharafou, was also found guilty of the crime due to his administrative role which lead to the failed tests. 

He was handed a 12 month prison sentence, with 10 months suspended, and he has also served some time after being arrested with the players.

The national team coach Lafiou Yessoufof and two other officials have been handed similar sentences for their roles in the cheating scandal. 

New FBF president Mathurin de Chacus, declared upon his August election that he was determined to"put an end to corruption, improvisation and amateurism" within the football of the country, having filed a complaint and promising 'very heavy' sanctions for those involved.