FIFA bans three Kenyan players for four years over match-fixing, Ugandan banned for life

Kariobangi Sharks Francis Manoa (left) and Moses Chikati of Kakamega Homeboyz FC during KPL match at Camp Toyoyo on Saturday April 21, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

World governing body FIFA on Tuesday confirmed they have banned three Kenyan players for a period of four years and a Ugandan from all football activities for allegedly being involved in match-fixing.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee said it had found the players guilty of having been involved in match manipulation in violation of art. 69 par. 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (2017 ed.) (unlawfully influencing match results).

The three Kenyans are– Moses Chikati of Kakamega Homeboyz, Festus Okiring, who left Homeboyz for Ulinzi Stars, and Festo Omukoto who joined to Western Stima from Homeboyz.

Nzoia Sugar FC's Festus Okiring drible balll against Kariobangi Sharka FC in a draw 2-2 KPL match against Kariobangi Sharks FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Sunday, Feb 11, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“The following individuals Moses Chikati, Festus Okiring, and Festo Omukoto have been banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for a period of four (4) years,” read the statement from the football body.

In the same case, a Ugandan player and former Kakamega Homeboyz player George Mandela, was also banned from all football-related activities for life.

 “In particular, given his central role in the conspiracy, the player George Mandela, Uganda, has been banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for life,” the statement added.

The governing body further said it took the disciplinary action against the four players after its investigation into various matches from the Kenyan Premier League in 2019.

City Stars FC's Festo Omukoto, left, and David Ojwang of Chemelil Sugar FC in the Kenya Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

“The formal disciplinary proceedings against the aforementioned individuals stemmed from an investigation into various matches from the Kenyan Premier League in 2019. This investigation was conducted by FIFA through its Integrity Department with the consent of and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities,” the statement read in part.

Kakamega Homeboyz George Mandela(R) and Danny Lyanga of Tanzania Singida United battle for ball possession during Sportpesa Super Cup final at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Sunday 10/06/18[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

“The findings of the relevant decisions were notified to the concerned individuals today, the date on which the relevant bans come into force. The grounds of the decisions, if requested, will be published on legal.fifa.com in accordance with art. 51 par. 7 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”