Kenya’s national team goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended from all football activities for 90 days as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) investigates serious allegations of match manipulation.
The suspension was announced on Thursday evening, just hours after the FKF confirmed it had opened an official probe into the 37-year-old’s conduct. This move follows the circulation of a viral video online, allegedly showing Matasi discussing terms to influence a match result.
While the video remains undated and unverified, its content was enough to trigger immediate action from the federation.
Silence from Matasi, Support from Club
Matasi, who plays for Kakamega Homeboyz in the Kenyan Premier League and has earned over 30 international caps, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. However, his club’s owner, Cleophas Shimanyula, stood by his player.
“He was shocked at what he was seeing in the video and told me he doesn’t know about match-fixing,” Shimanyula told BBC Sport Africa. “Kakamega Homeboyz is against any form of match manipulation.”
A Career Under the Spotlight
Matasi made his international debut in 2017 and was once hailed as a reliable last line of defense for the Harambee Stars. His most recent appearance came during Kenya’s 4-1 loss to Cameroon in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last October.
The FKF has pledged to work closely with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant bodies to ensure a thorough investigation. If found guilty, Matasi could face a lengthy ban, potentially bringing an end to his career.
Match-Fixing: A Growing Concern
Match manipulation has increasingly become a threat to the integrity of African football, with several incidents reported across leagues in recent years. Authorities and governing bodies have stepped up efforts to protect the sport from corruption, but challenges remain.
What’s Next?
The investigation is ongoing, and FKF says updates will be released in due course. In the meantime, Matasi’s suspension serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of any alleged attempt to compromise the fairness of the game.
