Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended from all football activities for 90 days as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) investigates allegations of match manipulation. The suspension, announced on Thursday evening, follows the emergence of a video that allegedly shows Matasi agreeing to influence the outcome of a match.
The FKF confirmed it had launched an investigation into the 37-year-old, who plays for Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz and has earned over 30 caps for the national team. The video in question, which remains undated and unverified by the BBC, has raised serious concerns about integrity in Kenyan football.
Matasi has not publicly commented on the allegations or responded to multiple requests for clarification. However, Cleophas Shimanyula, the owner of Kakamega Homeboyz, has come to his defense, stating that Matasi denies any involvement in match-fixing.
“He was shocked at what he was seeing in the video and told me he doesn’t know anything about match-fixing,” Shimanyula told BBC Sport Africa. “Kakamega Homeboyz is against any form of match manipulation.”
Matasi’s last appearance for Kenya came in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Cameroon last October, where the Harambee Stars suffered a 4-1 defeat.
The FKF emphasized that it is taking the matter seriously and will collaborate with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant authorities throughout the investigation.
Match-fixing allegations have become a growing concern in African football, and the FKF’s swift action underscores the importance of preserving the sport’s integrity. If found guilty, Matasi could face severe penalties, including a potential long-term ban from the sport.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the FKF has vowed to provide updates as more information becomes available.