Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days following concerns raised by viral videos suggesting possible match manipulation.
According to FKF, the decision has been formally communicated to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.
“FKF, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated an official investigation into the matter. The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties,” FKF stated in an official statement.
FKF reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on match-fixing, emphasizing that it is working with FIFA, CAF, and other stakeholders to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions and ensuring that football remains fair and transparent,” the federation added.
The Kenyan football community reacted with outrage after a viral video allegedly 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, particularly within the first 20 minutes of the match, to influence the outcome.
Agent: “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 allegedly responds, suggesting he would involve a defender to help execute the plan.
Matasi: “So what I will do, all this will happen after I talk to the defender. Because the first like 10 minutes, it’s just…”
Matasi’s Career and Ongoing Investigation
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 fans raising suspicions over the final goal due to its apparent ease.
Since the video surfaced online, Matasi has not issued a statement or responded to the allegations.
The FKF investigation is ongoing, with potential disciplinary action expected depending on the findings.
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