27-03-2025
Kenya goalkeeper under ‘official investigation' for alleged match-fixing
The Kenyan Football Federation (FKF) has opened an 'official investigation' into alleged match manipulation by goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
The 37-year-old, who plays for Kakamega Homeboyz in the Kenyan Premier League, has been capped 30 times by Kenya, including in qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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A video that surfaced on social media — which The Athletic has been unable to verify — appears to show Matasi in a compromising discussion with another individual regarding the outcome of a match.
The KFK said it would work with 'FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities' to investigate the allegations, while calling for any evidence to be brought forward.
'The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, raising concerns about possible match manipulation,' a statement read.
'FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions.
'This investigation will adhere to FKF's Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations and FIFA guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent, and thorough process. The rights of the player and his club will be respected, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
'We encourage anyone with credible information to assist in this investigation. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality.'
The Athletic has contacted Kakamega Homeboyz for comment.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, the club's chairman Cleophas Shimanyula said Matasi had informed him that he 'doesn't know anything about match-fixing'. He explained the club have their own systems to deal with such cases and insisted they are against 'any form' of match manipulation. He also added that Matasi would keep playing for the club.
'I have spoken to him,' Shimanyula said. 'He was also shocked at what he was seeing in the video and he told me he doesn't know about match-fixing.'
He continued: 'In the past we've reported match-fixing regarding some of our players (Festo Omukoto, Festus Okiring, Moses Chikati and George Mandela) who fixed a game with the coach and punishments were handed down by Fifa (in 2020).
'We have our own internal systems that we use to also look at match-fixing.
'As Kakamega Homeboyz we are asking anyone who has evidence of Matasi fixing a game to bring it forward.'
(Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images)
