The Disciplinary Committee of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), on Friday, May 2, ordered the immediate relegation of Muhoroni Youth from the National Super League to the FKF Division One League over alleged match-fixing.
In a statement, FIFA announced the development, which will see the Kenyan football team drop from the country's second-tier league to the third tier.
“Following a thorough analysis of the case and as part of its zero-tolerance policy against match manipulation, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found Kenyan club Muhoroni Youth guilty of activities related to the manipulation of football matches and competitions,” FIFA stated.
“The club’s senior team have consequently been expelled from the Football Kenya Federation National Super League, and the Disciplinary Committee has further ordered the relegation of the senior team to the Football Kenya Federation Division One League ahead of next season,” they added.
As per FIFA rules, clubs have ten days to file their appeals before the FIFA Appeals Committee and request the grounds for the decision.
Back home, FKF issued a statement confirming receipt of official communication from FIFA regarding the matter and expressed support for FIFA’s decision.
“FKF fully supports FIFA’s decision and reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on match-fixing and all forms of manipulation that threaten the integrity of the game. We are committed to working closely with FIFA and other relevant bodies to root out this vice from Kenyan football,” FKF stated.
Further, FKF stated that it would ensure Muhoroni faces the full repercussions of its actions, adding that a multi-pronged crackdown was set to be launched to weed out match-fixing.
“We are launching a full-scale war on match-fixing in collaboration with FIFA, CAF and all relevant authorities. We cannot allow this vice to undermine the progress we are making to uplift the game. Anyone found culpable will face the full consequences of their actions,” averred FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege.
Prior to their relegation, the team from Kisumu had been the subject of controversy, with rumours swirling around the NSL regarding their role in match manipulation. Notably, after news of their relegation was confirmed, some figures took to social media to commend the decision, noting that it was “long overdue.”
Muhoroni was founded in the early 2000s and became notable in the 2010s. They rose to prominence after being promoted to the then Kenyan Premier League (KPL) in 2012. The club played consistently in the top flight and became known for punching above its weight. It managed mid-table finishes and avoided relegation multiple times despite limited resources.
The club was later relegated in 2017. However, there was a protracted legal battle over league licensing and relegation, with the club at one point disputing the demotion. Ultimately, they dropped from the KPL.
In Kenya, aside from relegation, clubs caught engaging in match fixing face bans or suspensions, fines, stripping of titles or points, loss of sponsorship and even criminal persecution.
In 2020, several Zoo Kericho FC players were banned by FIFA for match fixing, and in 2021, the club was expelled from the FKF Premier League for their involvement.
