THE Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be used randomly in order to identify players who may be above the age of 17 during the 2011 African Youth Championship which will be held in Kigali.

The Chadian Caf Medical commission president Adoume Djibrine confirmed the development last week at the conclusion of the Caf medical congress which was held in Kigali.

"MRI will be sued in 2011 U-17 Africa Youth Championship in Kigali in order to protect the integrity of the tournament and in the spirit of fair play,”

"MRI will be worn on the wrist of each player to identify players who are definitely above 17 years,” Djibrine said.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was introduced by FIFA during the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria this year.   The essence of the so-called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is to ensure strict compliance with the age stipulation for the global competition.

They were used randomly in order to identify players who may be above the age of 17.

The issue of teams fielding over-age players was even highlighted recently at the CAF U-17 Championship Algeria 2009, when Niger was disqualified from the competition for fielding an ineligible player.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method was developed and tested by the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre in large scientific studies of different ethnic populations. 

Djibrine also encouraged Member Associations to screen players who will be traveling to Rwanda to ensure that the competition regulations are strictly adhered to.

"CAF is encouraging all participating member associations to conduct such tests in the build-up to the tournament in order to ensure that the players of their team comply with the age limit,” Djibrine added.

Only players born on or after 1 January 1994 will be allowed to feature in the 200 CAF U-17 Nations Cup finals.

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