Kenya goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended from all football activity in the country for 90 days amid an investigation into allegations of match manipulation.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) took the decision on Thursday evening, hours after the governing body announced it had launched an investigation into the 37-year-old.
The case arose after a video posted online appeared to show the keeper agreeing on a deal to influence the outcome of a game.
Matasi, 37, who plays for Kenyan Premier League club Kakamega Homeboyz, has played 26 times for Kenya and lined up from the start of their 4-1 defeat by Cameroon back in October, which was a group stage match to qualify for this year’s competition.
Some of the goals conceded have raised eyebrows.
The Football Kenya Federation released a statement on Thursday, posting: ‘The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, raising concerns about possible match manipulation.
‘FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions.
‘This investigation will adhere to FKF’s Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations and FIFA guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent, and thorough process. The rights of the player and his club will be respected, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
‘We encourage anyone with credible information to assist in this investigation. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality. Information can be submitted via integrity@footballkenya.org.
‘FKF will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.’
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
