A resurfaced video circulating online has implicated a Kenyan goalkeeper in accepting to manipulate the outcome of a past Kenya Premier League (KPL) match.
In the video, the goalkeeper reveals he will concede two goals in an unspecified match, as the scourge of match-fixing continues to plague the local football scene.
“Hi, it is me here. Ready for the job over the weekend—concede two goals in the first half,” expressed the keeper in the short clip.
The keeper has previously played for Muhoroni Youth FC, Mara Sugar FC, AFC Leopards, Bidco United, and Nakumatt FC. In Kenya, match-fixing is considered a serious offence and is primarily addressed through regulations set by the Sports Disputes Tribunal, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and criminal law where applicable.
Under FKF rules, lifetime bans or long-term suspensions can be imposed on players, coaches, referees, or officials found guilty of match-fixing. The FKF works closely with FIFA and CAF, and sanctions may be extended internationally. Those found guilty may also face fines or be stripped of titles or awards.
His case came just a day after the Disciplinary Committee of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 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.
Back home, FKF issued a statement confirming receipt of official communication from FIFA regarding the matter and expressed support for FIFA’s decision.
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.
The keeper’s case comes just over a month after Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was also caught up in the centre of a match-fixing scam after a secretly recorded video was leaked, allegedly showing him negotiating a deal to manipulate the outcome of a match.
The video, which was circulating online, dragged him into serious allegations of match-fixing, as he was seen seated in the right-back seat of a stationary vehicle, actively engaged in a conversation with someone off-camera.
The aftermath of the footage resulted in Matasi being provisionally suspended by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as investigations took place. While serving his suspension, Matasi was to be subjected to an intense investigation by the FKF, in collaboration with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
However, Matasi, on April 11, was granted a temporary reprieve after the High Court granted conservatory orders temporarily lifting the ban imposed on him for 30 days.
