FKF writes to DCI to investigate banned Matasi over match-fixing claims

A day after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to suspended Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi over alleged match-fixing claims, the local body has now written to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), seeking assistance to have the player investigated.

The 37-year-old Kakamega Homeboyz custodian was banned from all football activites for the next 90 days after a video leaked on social media showing him in a discussion with unidentified individuals suspected to be match-fixing agents.

In the video which has already gone viral, the agents in question are heard asking Matasi to let in two goals before half-time of a certain game, which could not be verified.

The decision prompted FKF to suspend the former Kenya Police FC player in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016). FKF have explained their decision to engage the two government agencies by explaining that though Kenya lacked a law that criminalizes match-fixing, manipulating matches was akin to obtaining money by false pretense contrary to section 313 of the Penal Code.

Here is the full statement as obtained by Pan-Africa Football;

“On the 27th March 2025, the Football Kenya Federation provisionally suspended Mr. Patrick Matasi from all football related activities pursuant to Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016) for allegations of match manipulation following a viral video in which he is seen and heard potentially planning and conspiring to fix a match aimed at unlawfully influencing and/or altering the result of a match for financial gain contrary to the said provisions.

From a National laws perspective, match manipulation is akin to obtaining money by false pretense contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code and attempts and/or conspiracies contrary to Section 47A Anti-Corruption and Economics Crimes Act.

The Federation appreciates that the said actions of match manipulation are not expressly provided for within our criminal justice system but remains committed to curbing this vice through the involvement of public authorities.”

The Federation is currently undertaking its internal investigations pursuant to the relevant FKF Regulations but requests your good office to assist in the investigation of the said individual using the available state machinery in which upon the completion of the said investigations, the Federation would be in a position to take appropriate actions pursuant to its regulations and even still reveal his accomplices.

Your assistance in this matter will be highly appreciated as the Federation works towards curbing this vice and engaging the relevant body for the necessary legislative amendments to criminalize this vice.

We thank you for taking note even as we await your positive response,” read the letter.