A controversy surrounding the alleged manipulation of birth details by a Gabonese football player has prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch a fresh investigation. The player in question, Guelor Kanga Kaku, has asserted that he was born in 1990, but recent revelations about his mother’s demise in 1985 have cast doubt on the accuracy of his claims.
The professional footballer, who serves as a midfielder for both the Gabon National Team and Red Star Belgrade, is now under scrutiny for potential dishonesty regarding his age. Despite declaring himself to be 32 years old, records indicate that his mother passed away 36 years ago, creating a significant inconsistency.
Guelor Kanga Kaku initially asserted his birthplace as Gabon, but subsequent developments revealed a legal dispute between Gabon and the Congo Football Federation (FECOFA). In response to playing for Gabon, Kaku faced a legal challenge from FECOFA, leading him to contest the case by confirming his Congolese origin.
FECOFA alleges that Kiaku Kiaku Kiangana, who was raised in Kinshasa, Republic of Congo, and born on May 5, 1985, is the same individual as Guelor Kanga. Kaku’s current passport indicates a birthplace of Oyem on September 1, 1990. The Congolese authorities suspect that the Red Star Belgrade star obtained a new passport upon joining the Gabonese football team. They argue that if his mother truly passed away in 1985, it would be implausible for her to have given birth to Guelor Kanga.
If found guilty, the Gabon Football Federation could face repercussions for allegedly falsifying the player’s travel documents and failing to adhere to FIFA’s prescribed procedures for his transfer from Congo to Gabon. This ongoing investigation brings to light potential irregularities in the player’s background and the administrative processes surrounding his international career.
