Stars keeper Patrick Matasi exposed for ‘alleged’ match fixing

Kenya international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is a man in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after viral videos circulating online exposed a person to him engaging in what appears to be a fixing deal.

The video leaks that went live from Wednesday evening show someone resembling Matasi speaking to a third party in what looked like a “match fixing scheme” unaware that he was being recorded. The former Posta Rangers FC, AFC Leopards, Tusker FC and Kenya Police FC stopper is as controversial as they come and now he is the trending topic with the Football Kenya Federation now forcing them to issue a statement on the matter.

Videos of him conceding easy goals in matches during quadrangular international friendly in Iran and a CAF Confederations Cup return leg against Zamalek SC away last year, among others, have also gone viral on social media. This has seen Kenyan fans raise questions over his credibility as a player with some football hawks questioning some his actions in goal even in the domestic league in recent times.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has said it is instituting an investigation into the matter which immediately puts Matasi’s career in big risk.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, raising concerns about possible match manipulation. FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF and other relevant authorities. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions.”

“These investigations will adhere to FKFD’s Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations and FIFA guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent and thorough process. The rights of the player and his club will be respected, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. We encourage anyone with credible information to assist in this investigation. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality. FKF will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.”

Matasi,37, is an experienced shot-stopper who has also played for Ethiopian side St Georges. He currently plies his trade with Kakamega Homeboyz FC.

The club’s founder and chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has defended his player as being innocent until proven guilty.

“I sent him the video on Wednesday night after it went viral and he said he knew nothing about it. Today as well in another video shared, he denied that was him. He is still shocked,” stated Shimanyula even as the embattled player never answered calls made to his mobile phone.

One of the videos shows a person said to be Matasi stating; “I repeat again, this is the first deal. I beg you. You know how we have done business. I have never let you down, and you have never let down!”