Kenyan Football Federation opens investigation over suspected match-fixing

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is facing one of its most serious crises in recent years after officially launching an investigation into allegations of match-fixing involving its national team.

The move comes in response to the circulation of a troubling video online, in which Kenyan international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is allegedly seen discussing a plan to manipulate a match result in exchange for money.

In an official statement, the FKF stressed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport, declaring that the investigation would be carried out in cooperation with global and continental governing bodies, including FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant authorities. "The FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities," the statement read. "We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and remain committed to preserving the credibility of our competition."

The incident centers around Kenya’s 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in Yaoundé in October 2024 during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign. The loss was not only a heavy blow on the scoreboard but also a critical result that effectively ended Kenya’s hopes of reaching the 2025 AFCON tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco. Following the defeat, head coach Engin Firat was relieved of his duties, and the national team entered a period of uncertainty and restructuring.

The leaked footage, described as amateur in nature, reportedly shows a man having a conversation with Matasi in which the two discuss the potential of orchestrating a fixed outcome for financial gain. While the authenticity and full context of the video are still under investigation, its release has cast a long shadow over Kenyan football and sparked outrage among fans, analysts, and officials.

The FKF’s decision to act quickly is seen as a necessary step to avoid a deeper scandal that could potentially attract sanctions from international bodies if proven true. Match-fixing is considered one of the gravest offenses in the sport, and global organizations like FIFA and CAF have consistently imposed harsh penalties on individuals and federations found guilty of involvement.

The scandal also comes at a sensitive time for the Kenyan national team, which is trying to rebuild its image and competitiveness on the international stage. Newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy, a former South African international and ex-FC Porto forward, has taken over with a mandate to restore discipline, structure, and performance to the squad. One of his first notable decisions was to leave Patrick Matasi out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon a decision that, in hindsight, may have been influenced by growing concerns over the goalkeeper’s conduct.

While McCarthy has not commented publicly on the ongoing investigation, FKF insiders suggest that the coach has been fully briefed on the matter and supports the federation’s stance on zero tolerance toward corruption and unethical behavior. The federation has also called on anyone with additional information or evidence to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Public reaction has been swift and intense. Many fans have taken to social media to express their dismay and disappointment over the allegations, particularly given the potential long-term impact on Kenyan football. The fear is that, if substantiated, the scandal could deter investment, damage the national team’s reputation, and hinder development programs aimed at nurturing young talent across the country.

The FKF’s collaboration with FIFA and CAF will likely include a full forensic review of the Cameroon match and potentially other fixtures, as governing bodies seek to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern. Both organizations have the tools and experience to conduct integrity audits, including interviews, financial tracing, and digital evidence analysis.

As the investigation unfolds, the footballing world will be watching closely. Kenya, like many emerging football nations, has been striving to raise its profile in international competition. The potential involvement of a high-profile player like Matasi, who has been one of the national team’s key figures for years, only heightens the stakes.

Should the allegations prove true, consequences could range from lifetime bans for the individuals involved to broader institutional reforms within Kenyan football. On the other hand, if Matasi is cleared, it would mark a crucial moment of vindication and reinforce the importance of due process in addressing such serious claims.

For now, the FKF has promised full transparency and accountability. "We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation," the statement concluded. "The trust of our fans, players, and partners depends on our ability to uphold the principles of fair play and honesty. We will not tolerate anything less."