CAF Medical Committee targets age cheating, player welfare reforms after Lome meeting

Dr Prince Pambo, a member of the CAF Medical Committee and team doctor of the Black Stars, has outlined key outcomes from the committee’s recent meeting in Lome, Togo.

The session brought together medical experts across the continent following the appointment of a new director for football development, with discussions centred on major health issues in the game.

“Basically, the role of the medical committee is to discuss all medical matters relating to the game on the continent,” Dr Pambo said.

He noted that several members also serve on FIFA medical panels, contributing to areas such as sports cardiology and anti-doping.

One of the main topics was the continued use of MRI scans for age verification in youth competitions. Dr Pambo confirmed that the process will remain part of eligibility checks, especially as concerns over age cheating persist in U15 tournaments.

The committee also discussed ways to sanitise youth competitions to ensure only eligible players participate.

Other areas covered included gender verification in women’s football, pre-competition medical assessments, heat-related illnesses and anti-doping education.

“At the beginning of every season, players will have to do this pre-competition medical assessment comprehensively,” he said, adding that associations must intensify education to maintain a drug-free sport.

Injury prevention and general player welfare also featured prominently, with CAF looking to strengthen support systems for member associations.

Looking ahead, Dr Pambo revealed plans to expand research in sports cardiology and injury prevention, while CAF also aims to establish Medical Centres of Excellence across its zones, including WAFU A, WAFU B, COSAFA and CECAFA.

“These centres will serve as dedicated hubs for football-related medical care,” he explained.

Dr Pambo described the meeting as productive and praised Vice President Kurt Okraku for his contribution during the opening session in place of CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

He said the central message from the meeting was clear.

“Player health is equated to team success, and this is what we preached.”

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