Details why FIFA banned Kenyan footballer ‘Wise’ Owino for 10 years

Mathare United FC's Captain and Defender George Owino during training at Goan Institute grounds Nairobi on Jan 16, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former Kenyan international George ‘Wise’ Owino has been banned from all football-related activities for ten years and slapped with Sh1.5 million fine by world football governing body, Fifa, for match-fixing.

In a statement issued yesterday by Fifa, the 37-year-old Owino was found guilty of being involved in match manipulation in violation of art. 69 par. 1 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (Unlawfully influencing match results.

The former Mathare United captain allegedly conspired to manipulate and influence the result of international matches involving Kenya.

“The Kenyan player George Owino Audi has been banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activities at both national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for a period of ten years. In addition, a fine in the amount of Sh1.5 million (CHF 15,000) has been imposed upon him,” read the statement.

Fifa also banned player agent Wilson Raj Perumal from Afghanistan and nine other others from taking part in any kind of football-related activities at both national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for life.

The nine individuals banned over match-fixing include Karlon Murray, Keyeno Thomas (Trinidad and Tobago), Hellings Mwakasungula (Malawi), Ibrahim Kargbo (Sierra Leone), Kudzanai Shaba (Zimbabwe), Séïdath Tchomogo (Benin) and Leonel Duarte (Cuba).

Owino has been banned from all football-related activity for 10 years [Courtesy]

“The formal disciplinary proceedings into the aforementioned individuals stemmed from an extensive investigation into various international matches that Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes. This large scale investigation was conducted by Fifa over for many years through its Integrity Department and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities.”

Meanwhile, Ugandan import George Abege came off the bench to score a last gasp equaliser to grab a point for ten-man Kariobangi Sharks in 1-1 with AFC Leopards in yesterday’s SportPesa Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium.

Whyvonne Isuza looked to have secured three points for Ingwe with an early opener only for the former Bandari man to capitaliSe on Casa Mbungo’s men defensive lapse to head home James Mazembe’s free kick.

In Machakos, Chemelil Sugar inflicted a fourth consecutive defeat on KCB after beating them 2-1 as resurgent Ulinzi Stars silenced visiting Vihiga United 1-0 at Afraha Stadium.

At Kasarani, it took only 27 seconds for Isuza to take his goal tally to six goals when he easily tapped home Paul Were’s cross from the left wing.

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