Video Evidence: Kenyan national team ‘keeper caught in match-fixing

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) has obtained two video footages showing Kenyan international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi involved in acts pertaining to match-fixing.

Matasi, in the initial video, was caught negotiating a match-fixing deal with an agent.

The second clip showed the 37 year old goalkeeper ‘deliberately’ allowing a tame shot cruise into his net despite being well-positioned to save it.

He was provisionally suspended from all football activities for 90 days as authorities investigate allegations of match manipulation.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the suspension on Thursday, hours after launching a formal probe into the 37-year-old shot-stopper.

Matasi, who plays for Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz and has earned over 30 caps for the national team, last featured for Kenya in a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in October 2024.

Club Owner Backs Matasi, Denies Wrongdoing

Cleophas Shimanyula, owner of Kakamega Homeboyz, said that Matasi has denied any involvement in match-fixing.

“He was shocked at what he was seeing in the video, and he told me he doesn’t know about match-fixing,” Shimanyula said. “In a video, there can be misinterpretations and false narratives. We cannot trust everything.”

Shimanyula confirmed that Matasi would continue playing for the club unless formal evidence emerges.

“He is innocent until proven guilty. Unless the FKF writes to us saying they suspect wrongdoing, he will keep playing,” he added.

FKF Vows Zero Tolerance, Launches Probe

The FKF stated it is collaborating with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other authorities in the investigation.

“We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions,” the federation said in a statement.

“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.”

The FKF has urged individuals with credible information to come forward, assuring confidentiality.

Past Match-Fixing Incidents in Kenyan Football

Shimanyula revealed that Kakamega Homeboyz has previously reported match-fixing incidents involving players and a coach, leading to FIFA sanctions.

“We have our own internal systems to monitor match-fixing,” he said. “We are asking anyone with evidence against Matasi to bring it forward.”

What’s Next?

DDM understands that Matasi’s suspension will remain in place for 90 days while the investigation unfolds.

If found guilty, he could face a lengthy ban from football.

View both clips below:

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