Italian football club threaten legal action after 17-year-old midfielder is accused of being 41

17-year-old Joseph Minala, who is being accused of being 41, is being defended by his club.

08:02 15 February 2014

Joseph Minala, the 17-year-old Cameroonian footballer, apparently told an African website that he is actually 41 years old, which could disqualify him from Lazio’s youth sides. Following the claims, the club has now threatened to take legal action against anybody who questions the legitimacy of his age. 

 

"We reserve the right to take action against those responsible for the protection of the good name of the company and the footballer."

 

Minala also released a statement denying the claims. He said: "I have read the alleged statements posted on the website senego.net in which it says I confessed my real age which was different to what was stated in my [official] documents.

 

"They are false statements that have been attributed to me by people who do not know."

 

The footballer was also forced to close all his social media accounts after receiving abusive messages over his age.