Harambee Stars goalkeeper suspended over match-fixing claims

Patrick Matasi. IMAGE/Citizen Digital

Harambee Stars goalkeeper suspended over match-fixing claims

Festus Chuma 21:21 - 27.03.2025

Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been suspended by FKF amid an investigation into alleged match-fixing involving a circulating online video.

Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been suspended by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for 90 days.

The FKF announced the decision following the circulation of an undated online video that allegedly shows the veteran goalkeeper involved in a discussion to influence the outcome of a domestic league fixture.

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Though the authenticity of the footage is yet to be verified, the federation acted swiftly, invoking Section VII (2) of its Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016).

"I have spoken to him. He was also shocked at what he was seeing in the video and he told me he doesn't know about match-fixing," Kakamega Homeboyz owner Cleophas Shimanyula told BBC Sport Africa.

The 37-year-old, who boasts over 30 international caps for Kenya, made his last appearance for the national team in October last year during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

"When we watched this video, we found that Matasi has not wronged the club," Shimanyula continued.

"In a video there can be misinterpretations and false narratives and we cannot trust everything."

FKF provisional suspension bars Matasi from participating in all FKF-sanctioned activities.

The federation confirmed that FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities will support the ongoing investigation.

"We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions," the FKF stated. "

"This investigation will adhere to FKF's anti-match manipulation regulations and FIFA guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent, and thorough process."

Matasi has come under scrutiny in recent years for high-profile blunders, including Kenya's 4-1 loss to Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON Group ‘J’ qualifiers and an error-laden performance in Kenya Police FC’s loss to Zamalek during the CAF Confederation Cup.