MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to the service of African football: Dr Boubakary Sidiki returns to the advances of the U-17 eligibility protocol
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
On the occasion of the Totalnergies CAF African Cup of Nations U-17, Morocco 2025, the African Football Confederation (CAF) continues its commitment to equity and transparency. Among the flagship measures adopted in recent years: the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) protocol, a reference medical tool to check the eligibility of boys in the U-17 category.
The medical manager of the CAF medical unit, Dr Boubakary Sidiki explains the foundations, the operation and the advances of this essential system for the future of African football.
Can you explain how MRI technology makes it possible to check the eligibility of boys in U-17?
It is first of all essential to specify that the MRI protocol of CAF does not aim to verify the exact age of a player, but to determine his eligibility for U-17 competitions in boys.
This protocol has been in place for several years and applies before each qualification phase or final phase of the CAN U-17. A left wrist MRI is made under the supervision of an MRI expert approved by CAF. The images obtained are then sent to the CAF MRI reading committee, the only body mandated by the CAF medical committee to analyze them and rule on eligibility.
The role of the MRI expert is to guarantee the authenticity of the images transmitted, by ensuring that they belong well to the player who enters the machine. To do this, he photographs the player’s face next to his passport before the exam by an MRI of 1.5 Tesla.
The CAF protocol focuses on the cartilage of the distal end of the radius. If this cartilage is completely merged, the player is declared ineligible for any U-17 competition from CAF.
Why can’t this protocol be used for girls?
The CAF MRI protocol does not apply to girls because their wrist cartilage usually closes before the age of 17.
All CAN U-17 players, Morocco 2025 have been tested. Can you explain to us how it went?
As indicated above, all the players participating in the CAN U-17, Morocco 2025 have passed an MRI test. Before entering the MRI machine (1.5 Tesla, equipped with a wrist antenna), the CAF MRI expert takes a photo of the player next to his passport.
The exam lasts between five and ten minutes. The left wrist is placed above the head or along the body, with a precise alignment between the third metacarpal and the radius. A single T1 weighted spin echo sequence is used. The images are then transferred to CD and by email (via Wetransfer) to the CAF MRI reading committee. No medical reports of a radiologist is required. The Committee analyzes the images and transmits its eligibility decision to the CAF medical department, which then informs the Tournament & Events division as well as the teams concerned.
How many ineligible players would lead to the disqualification of a team?
According to the decision of the CAF Executive Committee of April 11, 2023, article 27 of the U-17 competition regulation was modified:
Article 27
● 27.1 – During the qualifying phase, an eligibility test is compulsory for all teams before the start of matches. ● 27.2 – The test must be carried out in an approved health establishment with an MRI device. ● 27.3 – CAF reserves the right to carry out MRI tests during the final phase on the sixteen qualified teams. These tests are the responsibility of CAF. ● 27.4 – If four (4) players or more than one team are declared ineligible after the MRI test, the team will be disqualified. ● 27.5 – If one (1), two (2) or three (3) players are declared ineligible, they will not be able to participate in the tournament, and the team will not be able to replace them. However, the team will be able to compete.
Have you observed a decrease in the number of players ineligible over the years?
Yes. According to our statistics, the rate of ineligibility increased from 7 % during the 2018–2019 edition to less than 1 % during the 2022–2023 edition.
What have been the main challenges to be met in the past?
The main progress today is that we no longer see older players in the U-17 category. From now on, we really have boys of the same age category compete. In addition, no age-related recourse or protest was recorded during this edition of the Totalnergies CAF African Cup of Nations U-17, Morocco 2025.
What efforts have achieved this rigorous and appreciated system?
The CAF medical committee worked with consistency to advise member associations, in particular via a letter of medical recommendations and anti -doping, detailing the three (03) following eligibility criteria:
● Civil age under 17 on the passport (age limit communicated by CAF). ● The CAF classification on MRI eligibility in young boys from stage I to V, Stage VI is ineligible. ● The PCCA (Heart examination examination) Any player declared unfit will be non-eligible.
MRI examinations are carried out on four levels:
1. At the national level:
During the IRMS carried out by the respective associations, CAF strongly encourages them to request the services of a CAF expert to supervise the MRI according to the CAF protocol. The CAF reading committee will be available to read the images and provide them with the different stages according to the CAF classification for the eligibility of your players. These services (supervision by the CAF expert and interpretation of the images by the CAF reading committee) will be at the expense of the member association which requests to make these IRMS.
2. Before the zonal qualifications (in the host country):
CAF organizes and oversees the IRMS for all players participating in the tournament, at CAF.
3. Before the final tournament (for newly recorded players):
If a federation hires new players, the medical committee strongly encourages it to request a CAF expert, to supervise the IRMS made in a country of its choice, in accordance with the CAF protocol. The CAF reading committee will be available to read the images and provide it with eligibility (CAF classification on Eligibilities in U17s) at the expense of the Member Association;
4. In the host country before the final tournament:
The CAF organizes and oversees the MRIs of all the players participating in the final tournament, at CAF costs.
And now ? What additional measures do you consider?
Africa faces particularly major challenges, different from those of other confederations such as UEFA for example. To ensure that young African players compete with equal age, it is necessary to maintain the strict application of the MRI protocol of CAF. We are also thinking about expanding this system to U-15 and U-20 categories in order to ensure long-term traceability. This will allow you to emerge competitive talents, well supervised, up to the highest level.
