Lazio Threatens Legal Action Over People Who Claim That Midfielder, Joseph Minala Is Above 17

Lazio have issued a statement threatening legal action after their midfielder Joseph Minala was accused of being older than he is.

The 17-year-old Cameroonian, who has been promoted to Lazio's first-team, has been the subject of accusations about his age.

But Lazio have now moved to clear up the situation.

The Serie A outfit have published his official documents on their website, with the club insisting that his registration proves that he is 17.

"Lazio, referring to press reports relating to the age of player Joseph Minala, confirms the absolute legitimacy of the documentation filed with the federal authorities," they said in a statement, adding they could take legal action.

"We reserve the right to take action against those responsible for the protection of the good name of the club and the player."

Minala's agent has also rubbished the claims, which emerged after quotes were attributed to the player claiming he was actually in his 40s.

But Minala also issued a statement via Lazio, denying he said anything.

"These are false statements that have been attributed to me by people who do not know," he said.