DPDL Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Age Fraud in Youth Football

In a major step toward strengthening the integrity of grassroots and youth football in India, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced the rollout of a comprehensive set of age verification reforms for the upcoming season.

The new regulatory framework is designed to curb age and identity fraud — a growing concern that has undermined the credibility of youth competitions nationwide.

Founded in 2019, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) is India’s largest AIFF-approved grassroots and youth football league. With operations in multiple cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi, and a partnership with European football development leader Double Pass, DPDL delivers structured, competitive, and long-term development environments for players aged 5 to 18.

The new measures, effective immediately across all DPDL cities, aim to ensure fair participation, safeguard honest academies, and promote age-appropriate player development.

The league, which has operated since 2019 in partnership with Belgium-based Double Pass and is recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is among the most structured youth football ecosystems in the country.

Key regulatory updates

Introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card
Each player will now receive a unique DPDL ID card embedded with a photograph, date of birth, verified documents, and a QR code for on-ground verification. This will be scanned at match venues to prevent impersonation and misrepresentation.
Two-Season Limit Per Age Category
In a move to ensure players compete at appropriate age levels, individuals will now be allowed to participate in a single age category for a maximum of two seasons. This rule will also take into account participation in past seasons dating back to 2019.
Independent Age Verification Committee
An expert panel will be established to evaluate disputed or extreme cases of suspected age discrepancy. The committee will include senior DPDL officials, football association representatives, pediatric specialists, and documentation experts. Where necessary, advanced assessments such as TW3 bone age tests may be recommended.
Two-Year Ban for Proven Violations
Teams found guilty of age or identity fraud will face suspension from all DPDL competitions for two consecutive seasons. The league has also stated that coaches or staff complicit in such cases may be subject to further disciplinary measures.
Standardised Physical Benchmarks for Younger Age Groups
For the U7, U9, and U11 categories, DPDL will implement height and weight benchmarks defined by pediatric consultants. This step addresses concerns regarding physical dominance in early age groups that may not align with documented age.

“Youth football must be built on the pillars of fairness and integrity,” said Sarthak Dubey, Founder and CEO of DPDL. “These reforms are not just administrative updates — they are essential safeguards to ensure that honest players and ethical academies are protected. We are committed to building a credible and transparent footballing pathway for India.”

The announcement builds on DPDL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its integrity framework, following isolated incidents in past seasons where discrepancies in player documentation and eligibility were identified.

In each confirmed case, the league took prompt and appropriate disciplinary action — including point deductions, disqualification from knockout stages, and temporary suspensions of involved personnel — reinforcing its commitment to fair play and accountability.

With the new framework in place, DPDL hopes to set a national benchmark for how youth football leagues across the country address age fraud.

Note: This article has been created from an official press release