FKF Suspends Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has suspended Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi for 90 days.

The provisional suspension was announced in a statement on Thursday, March 27, and this means Matasi has been barred from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for the 90-day period.

The move came following the emergence of videos showing Matasi allegedly involved in match-fixing, raising concerns about possible match manipulation.

"The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation," the statement read in part.

"The decision, made in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), has been formally communicated to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player."

FKF went on to reveal that in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, it has initiated an official investigation into the matter.

"The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses," added the statement.

The suspension came after FKF announced that it had launched an official investigation into allegations of match manipulation involving Matasi. The claims, which sent shockwaves through the local football scene, prompted FKF to take action to safeguard the integrity of the game. 

The federation reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on match-fixing and vowed to take stern action against the goalkeeper and anyone involved in the matter, if found culpable.

In one of the widely shared clips, the goalkeeper was seen conversing with unidentified individuals, allegedly discussing details of a "deal" to influence the outcome of a football match. Unaware that he was being recorded, the shot-stopper appeared engrossed in the conversation, which took place inside a car. 

“I repeat before the boss, this is the first deal, I beg you. You know how we have done this, I have never let you down, you have never let me down,” an unidentified man was captured as saying as the individual was seen to nod in agreement.

While the specific match and date remain unknown, the video's content sparked widespread speculation and condemnation, with many social media users independently linking the allegations to some of Matasi's costly goalkeeping errors during vital games for club and country that earned him intense criticism.

Matasi, an experienced goalkeeper with international caps for Kenya, now faces an uncertain period as the probe unfolds. FKF has formally informed both the player and his club of the suspension as the investigation progresses.