The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has launched an official investigation into allegations of match manipulation involving Kenyan international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. This comes after videos surfaced online, raising concerns about potential misconduct.
In a statement released today, FKF reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of football and confirmed that it is working alongside FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant authorities to ensure a thorough probe.
“We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions,” FKF stated.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) could provisionally suspend Patrick Matasi as the investigations continue.
Meanwhile the Kenyan football community has erupted in outrage after the video making rounds online showed Matasi conspiring with a match-fixing agent to manipulate an unspecified match.
In the undated footage, Matasi is seen inside a vehicle speaking with an unidentified individual believed to be a match-fixing agent. The agent instructs him to concede two goals before halftime, specifically within the first 20 minutes of the match, to influence the game’s outcome.
“Can you promise us two first-half goals? We don’t need anything else… If the game goes to 20 minutes without you conceding, the game is locked. But if you concede early, before the game becomes hot, you open it up.”
Matasi responds, suggesting he would involve a defender to help execute the plan.
“So what I will do, all this will happen after I talk to the defender. Because the first like 10 minutes, it’s just…”
The former Kenya Police FC shot-stopper who has also played for Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, and Ethiopia’s Saint Georges FC was recently released by Police FC under unclear circumstances.
His last match for Harambee Stars ended in a 4-1 loss to Cameroon, with the final goal drawing suspicion from fans due to its apparent ease.
The defeat further dented Kenya’s AFCON qualification hopes, and soon after, head coach Engin Firat resigned.The leaked video has ignited public condemnation, with fans taking to social media to express their anger. One fan, Afande Cele, wrote on Facebook:
“It’s heartbreaking for those who take the legitimate route to see our game grow. It has always been speculation, not knowing what to believe. But today, we have proof… this pierces so deep.”
Despite the uproar, many questions remain unanswered, including the date of the video and the identity of the recruiter. Attempts to contact Matasi for comment have been unsuccessful.
