The 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 allegedly implicating him in match manipulation.
The suspension was officially communicated to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and Matasi, as the federation, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, launched a formal investigation into the matter.
FKF’s Commitment to Fair Play
In a statement, FKF reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on match-fixing, emphasizing its dedication to preserving football integrity.
“We are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions and ensuring that football remains fair and transparent,” the federation stated.
Viral Video Sparks Controversy
The Kenyan football community reacted with outrage after an undated viral video allegedly showed Matasi conspiring with a match-fixing agent to manipulate a match.
In the 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.
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, implying that he would involve a defender to assist in executing 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
Matasi, who has previously played for Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, Ethiopia’s Saint Georges FC, and most recently Kenya Police FC, was released from Police FC under unclear circumstances before joining Kakamega Homeboyz FC.
His last appearance for Harambee Stars was in a 4-1 defeat against Cameroon, with fans raising suspicions about the ease of the final goal conceded in that match.
Since the video surfaced online, Matasi has not issued a statement or responded to the allegations.
The FKF investigation is ongoing, and potential disciplinary action will be determined based on the findings.
