Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been provisionally banned from all football activities in the country for 90 days as authorities investigate allegations of match-fixing.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the suspension on Thursday evening, just hours after confirming an inquiry into the 37-year-old.
The case emerged after a video surfaced online, allegedly showing Matasi agreeing to manipulate the outcome of a match.
Matasi, who plays for Kenyan Premier League club Kakamega Homeboyz, has earned 26 caps for Kenya. He also started in Kenya’s 4-1 defeat to Cameroon last October during the group stage of the qualifiers for this year’s competition. Some of the goals conceded in that match have since drawn scrutiny.
In response to the controversy, FKF released a statement, saying:
“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, raising concerns about possible match manipulation.
“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. Information can be submitted via integrity@footballkenya.org.
“FKF will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.”
