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Matty Hewitt

Porto set to axe former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba over date of birth claims

Porto look set to axe former Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba over suggestions he is 31-years-old, rather than 27.

The date of birth 'scandal' as it's being reported, is not a new revelation after an investigation into his age back in 2013.

The former Newcastle defender took bone tests to prove his year of birth was 1994, but now the Daily Mail claim he told friends he was born in 1990.

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Anderlecht - the club he was registered with prior to arriving at St James' Park - had registered his birth year as 1994 – hence his age of 27.

Newcastle were 'relaxed about the controversy', and Mbemba himself dismissed the allegations as “defamatory” and made up. “I have given evidence to Anderlecht to make sure they’re not taking any risks,” he has said of the controversy.

“I even passed scientific tests to determine my exact age. In Africa, when people do not have money, they are ready to invent anything to make money.”

Federico Chiesa of Juventus contrls the ball as as he takes on Chancel Mbemba of FC Porto (Getty Images)

However, that hasn't stopped the allegations resurfacing.

Porto are now refusing to extend his contract beyond the summer over fears he is older than he claims to be.

During the 2013 investigation, a member of the Congolese Football Federation claimed that Mbemba's birth year was changed to 1991 in order for him to play London 2012 Olympic Games, classing him as an Under-23 player.

As a result, Mbemba had to take physical tests to prove his age which proved he would be 27-years-old now.

"I got bone tests done and, as me and my friends all know, the results prove what my age is,' Mbemba told the Mirror in 2015. 'I just go out and play football, no misinformation. A lot has been said about my birthdate and the different ages. I proved exactly what the truth is.

"People in Africa know, me and my family, friends and anyone who knows Chancel Mbemba knows I was born on August 8th, 1994. That is all that matters.

"Sometimes in Africa when people see someone doing well they try to bring them down or harm they career.

"I am not that kind of person, I have my friends and family and I don't have any harmful thoughts in my heart or in my head. All that should matter to people is what I do on the pitch."

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