FKF provisionally suspends goalkeeper Patrick Matasi for 90 days

Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Patrick Matasi [Courtesy]

Football Kenya Federation has provisionally suspended Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned competitions for 90 days.

This is after concerns were raised following a viral video suggesting possible match manipulation.

"FKF has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation," the federation said in a statement.

"The decision, made in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016). has been formally communicated to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.

FKF, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated an official investigation into the matter. The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties," read the statement.

The federation has also launched an official investigation into the allegations. They promised to protect the player and the club's rights during the investigation process.

A video circulating on social media shows what appears to be the goalkeeper negotiating with an unknown party about the outcome of a football match.

The footage, which began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, appears to show Matasi in a conversation with an unidentified man, supposedly discussing the outcome of an upcoming football match.

In the clip, the man is heard assuring Matasi that their dealings have always been successful and that everything will go as planned.

Throughout the exchange, Matasi, seated in the back of a stationary vehicle, listens and nods in agreement, fuelling speculation that he was part of a the arrangement.

The authenticity of the video remains unverified, and crucial details, including when it was recorded, the identity of the speaker, and the specific match being discussed, are still unclear.

However, the clip has sparked heated debates among fans, with some pointing to Matasi's past performances as potential evidence of foul play.

In response to the controversy, FKF then announced an official investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities.

"FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation into these allegations. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and remain committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions," FKF stated.