EXCLUSIVE: Matasi Granted Relief as Kenyan High Court Overturns Match-Fixing Sanctions

Patrick Matasi, goalkeeper for the Kenya national team and Kakamega Homeboyz, has successfully secured a court order that overturns the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) decision to impose a ban on him from all football-related activities due to allegations of match-fixing.

The 37-year-old was provisionally suspended from participating in all FKF-sanctioned events for 90 days on March 27th, amid concerns stemming from videos implying potential match manipulation.

The FKF stated that the ban on Matasi was enacted in line with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016). Additionally, the Federation confirmed that it, in partnership with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant entities, had commenced an official investigation into the situation.

“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 the FKF statement.

“This decision, in alignment with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), has been communicated to both Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.”

The statement further highlighted: “FKF, working alongside FIFA, CAF, and other pertinent authorities, has initiated an official investigation into this issue. The Federation is committed to maintaining integrity within football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all parties involved. More updates will follow as the investigation unfolds.”

Matasi Makes a Quick Return to the Pitch

However, the situation took a turn when Matasi successfully obtained a court order to reinstating his eligibility to participate in football activities. This order was issued by the Kakamega High Court on Tuesday, March 8th.

In a ruling from Judge S.N. Mbungi of the Kakamega High Court in the Western Province, Matasi was named the Petitioner, while FKF was designated as the Respondent. The ruling halted Matasi’s suspension and required FKF to respond to the petition within 30 days, setting June 4th as the date for a hearing.

Below is the full text of the Court Order signed by Mbungi, as obtained by Flashcore:

“I have reviewed the application dated 28.3.2025 and the supporting affidavit, and I have also examined the affidavit of service sworn by Collins Kigen confirming that the Application was properly served on the Respondent. The stamp impression on the copy returned after service substantiates this. Thus, I am satisfied that the Application was duly served.”

“The Respondent has not replied to the Application nor made an appearance in court. I consider the Application to be unopposed. Therefore, I hereby grant a conservatory order restraining the Respondent, or any individual acting on the explicit instructions of the Respondent, from acting on the communication dated 27.3.25 which suspended the Applicant Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions, pending the hearing and determination of the petition.”

“The Petitioner is instructed to file and serve the main petition to the Respondent, who shall respond within 30 days from today (Tuesday, March 8th). Mention will be on 4.6.2025 for further direction.”

Matasi found himself embroiled in serious match-fixing allegations following the leak of a covertly recorded video that purportedly showed him negotiating a deal to manipulate a match’s outcome.

The video, which was secretly recorded from the back of a seat by an unidentified individual—although the specific date of recording remains unclear—depicted Matasi actively engaging in discussions about manipulating the match in question.

“I say this again before the boss,” the person speaking with Matasi remarked, to which the goalkeeper nodded in agreement, “this is the deal, and you know, I have never let you down.” The unseen individual continued with the conversation while Matasi listened intently and nodded.

“Whatever amount I receive, I will pass on to you,” the individual added, with Matasi responding, “Okay”. “As soon as I forward it to you, I’ll call you, and the boss will confirm that you’ve received the message. This is what we want: let the first half end in a draw, I trust that’s a deal…” then the video concludes.

Matasi has played for Kabrass United, AFC Leopards, Posta Rangers, and Tusker before signing a three-year contract with Ethiopia’s Saint George in October 2018. He later returned to Kenya, representing Tusker and Kenya Police.

After finding himself lower in the pecking order at Police, he recently transferred to Homeboyz, signing a two-year contract during the most recent transfer window.

He made his debut for the national team in 2017 and had featured in 35 matches before being omitted by former coach Engin Firat after Kenya’s 4-1 loss to Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying round.

Matasi’s challenges intensified last year when the then Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat, chose not to select him for the 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.

In the Group J matches, Kenya managed draws against Zimbabwe (1-1) and Namibia (0-0). Ahead of these fixtures, Matasi was also excluded from the squad for the two-legged 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match against South Sudan.

While Kenya qualified by virtue of co-hosting, they were unable to overcome South Sudan, losing 2-0 in the first leg in Juba, and drawing 1-1 in the return match, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate loss.

More recently, Matasi was overlooked by new coach Benni McCarthy, with Ian Otieno, who plays for Richards Bay in South Africa, starting in the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Gambia away and Gabon at home.