Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended from all Football Kenya Federation (FKF) activities, following the circulation of a video online that appeared to implicate him in a suspected match-fixing scheme.
The video, which emerged on March 27 and rapidly gained traction on social media, sparked intense debate among football fans and critics alike. Many revisited Kenya’s past international performances, especially games in which Matasi featured, questioning the authenticity of some of the results.
In response, FKF launched an official inquiry and announced that Matasi would be barred from participating in any FKF-sanctioned matches or events for a period of 90 days while investigations continue.
“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,” read part of FKF’s statement dated March 27, 2025.
The Federation added that the action was in line with Section VII (2) of its Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), and that both Matasi and his club, Kakamega Homeboyz FC, had been formally notified of the decision.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, who has consistently championed discipline and integrity since taking over the national team, voiced his frustration during an interview with NTV.
“For me, there is absolutely no space for betting in football,” McCarthy said firmly. “If you’re privileged enough to earn a living through football, a sport you love and excel in, you must uphold its integrity.”
He stressed how rare the opportunity to play football professionally is in Kenya, noting that very few get that chance out of a population of over 50 million.
“For someone to throw that away by deliberately compromising matches is unthinkable,” McCarthy added. “It’s not just a betrayal of your career but of the sport itself.”
The South African tactician further distanced himself from the embattled goalkeeper, stating that he was grateful never to have worked with him.
“I’m glad I never had to include him in my squad,” he said. “Good luck to him in whatever he’s dealing with.”
While wishing Matasi well, McCarthy made it clear that accountability is essential.
“If you’re truly passionate about football, taking money to deliberately lose a game should never even be an option,” he said. “I have zero sympathy for that kind of conduct.”
He also urged investigators to dig deeper and expose the broader networks and individuals involved in match-fixing schemes, insisting the issue goes beyond just one player.
