Former Harambee Stars defender George Owino is under FIFA probe for alleged international match fixing between 2009 and 2011.
A preliminary report by the world’s football body FIFA suggests that Owino colluded with renowned international match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal to throw away Harambee Stars games.
Perumal has previously served prison sentences in both Finland and Hungary for match fixing crimes.
In a series of emails exchanged between the two, Owino agreed to help lose games in exchange of cash. He also offered to recruit other players in the scheme.
A 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on 11th October 2009 which the Stars lost 1-0 Tunisia is said to be among the games that were manipulated.
However, the score line did not reflect the pre-agreed outcome which was a 3-0 loss.
“You have to make up your mind whether you want money or result,” Perumal warned Owino in advance according to the Daily Nation.
“Note if you lose by 1-0 to Tunisia you will end up with nothing. I want a 3-0 score line. I expect the score to be 2-0 in normal game, but with your assistant I can get a 3-0 score line,” an email that was addressed to two other players named as Julius and Pascal reads.
“I want you to put a good fight for 25 minutes and concede one goal in the first half from 30-45 minutes, another at the 65th minute, and the third in the 80th minute.”
“F…. (Expletive) the game and take the money; $25,000 (Sh2.5m) is a lot of money,”’ Perumal offered in September.
“I understand we have four players. I will send my men with $75,000 (Sh1.5m) for the new player. You will get to see the money before the match. You give me what I want in the match and you will collect your money afterwards.”
“I am an honest man who would like to see you have enough money to feed your family and send your kids to good school. You give penalty, I pay you %5,000 (Sh500, 000),” Perumal said in subsequent mails before the game.
Owino on his part replied, “Listen my friend. We are serious and ready for business. We promise you that we won’t let you down. Trust us because we are there for you, and you for us. Have faith in us. Just send your man.”
Owino is also alleged to have conspired with Perumal to throw away all matches of Nile Basin Tournament held in Egypt in 2011 for $60,000 (Sh 6m).
Even though he did not make the squad for the championship, Owino was to recruit two players to execute the mission.
Owino, who retired from football last year after seeing through his Mathare United contract, has denied all the claims, saying he is waiting for FIFA contact him.
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