Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi Suspended 90 Days Over Match-Fixing Claims

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended from all Football Kenya Federation (FKF)-sanctioned competitions for 90 days over concerns of possible match manipulation.

The suspension follows the circulation of a viral video that raised suspicion over alleged match-fixing activities.

“FKF has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation,” the federation said in a statement.

The decision, made under Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), has been formally communicated to Matasi’s club, Kakamega Homeboyz FC, and the player himself.

FKF has launched an investigation into the matter, working alongside FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant authorities to determine the credibility of the allegations.

“FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions,” the statement read.

The federation assured that the probe would follow FKF’s Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations and FIFA guidelines, promising a fair and transparent process. FKF also emphasized that Matasi’s rights, as well as those of his club, would be respected, and appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula defended Matasi, maintaining that the goalkeeper remains innocent until proven guilty.

Match-fixing allegations have plagued Kenyan football in recent years, with FKF previously suspending referees, players, and team officials over similar accusations. The federation has vowed to work closely with FIFA and CAF to conduct a thorough investigation into the latest claims.