Kenya keeper the subject of match-fixing investigation

The Kenya Football Federation (FKF) has opened an investigation into allegations that goalkeeper Patrick Matasi participated in match-fixing.

The 37-year-old Kakamega Homeboys, a Premier League team from Kenya, has won over 30 international caps.

In a tournament qualifying event for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he most recently made an appearance for the Harambee Stars in October of last year.

A non-official video that was posted online by the BBC, which the BBC was unable to verify, appears to show Matasi agreeing to influence a league game’s outcome.

He has spoken to me. Cleophas Shimanyula, the owner of the Homeboyz, told BBC Sport Africa that he was shocked by what he was seeing in the video and that he didn’t know anything about match-fixing.

During its investigation, the FKF stated that it would work with “relevant authorities” including the Confederation of African Football, the FIFA, and other “relevant bodies.”

We reaffirm our zero tolerance for match-rigging and pledge to maintain our competitions’ credibility, according to a statement.

“This investigation will ensure a fair, transparent, and thorough process by adhering to FKF’s anti-match manipulation regulations and Fifa guidelines.

The player’s and his club’s rights will be respected, and appropriate steps will be taken in response to the findings.

Matasi has kept three clean sheets in as many games since joining the club a month ago, according to Shimanyula, who backed him.

He said, “When we watched this video, we realized Matasi had not wronged the club.”

We can’t trust everything in a video because there can be misinterpretations and false narratives.

“He will continue playing for us because there is no wrongdoing on our part,” he said, “until there is evidence or the FKF writes to us to say they are suspicious of the player.”

He is innocent until proven guilty, and then we take action.

Anyone with reliable information is asked to assist with the FKF’s investigation, and any reports must be kept confidential.

Additionally, Shimanyula pressed Matasi’s supporters in Kenya to provide proof.

Kakamega Homeboyz reacted to any kind of match-rigging, he said.

“In the past, we’ve covered match-fixing allegations against some of our players who had a coach who had fixed a game with whom Fifa had dealt punishment.

I am unable to speak on behalf of other clubs because we have our own internal systems in place that we use to investigate match-fixing.