Kenya national team and Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has obtained a court order overturning Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) decision to ban him from all football activities for match-fixing allegations.
Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been granted a legal reprieve by the Kakamega High Court, which has overturned Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) decision to suspend him from football activities. The suspension had been imposed following allegations of match-fixing, with videos suggesting his involvement in potential match manipulation. The court’s ruling now allows Matasi to resume his football career, pending the outcome of a full hearing set for later this year.
On March 27, 2025, FKF announced the provisional suspension of Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions. This decision came after videos allegedly showing Homeboyz goalkeeper discussing match-fixing surfaced online. The videos appeared to show the goalkeeper engaged in conversations about manipulating the outcome of matches. This prompted FKF to take swift action, suspending him for 90 days as they launched an investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities. According to FKF’s statement, the decision was made in accordance with the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), and the investigation was aimed at ensuring the integrity of Kenyan football. Matasi’s suspension caused a stir in the Kenyan football community, leading to widespread discussions and debates about the future of the goalkeeper’s career.
However, Matasi’s legal team did not accept FKF’s decision. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Kakamega High Court issued a ruling in Matasi’s favor, granting him the right to return to football. The court issued a conservatory order, preventing FKF from enforcing the suspension and allowing Matasi to resume participating in football activities. The decision was based on the grounds that FKF had failed to respond to the application in a timely manner. The court’s ruling, delivered by Judge S.N. Mbungi, also set a hearing date for June 4, 2025, when FKF will be required to respond to Matasi’s petition. This ruling effectively nullifies the 90-day suspension imposed by FKF, at least for the time being, as the legal proceedings continue.
The court’s decision was based on the application filed by Matasi’s legal team on March 28, 2025. According to the court documents, FKF had been properly served with the petition but did not respond or appear in court. In light of this, the judge ruled that Matasi’s suspension should be temporarily lifted. The court further directed that FKF respond to the petition within 30 days, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for June 4, 2025.
The full text of the court order, as obtained by Flashcore, reads as follows: “I have seen the application dated 28.3.2025 and the supporting affidavit. I have also seen the affidavit of service sworn by Collins Kigen showing that the Application was duly served upon the Respondent. I have seen a stamp impression on a copy returned after service. Therefore, I am satisfied that the Application was properly served upon the respondent. The respondent has not responded to the Application nor attended court. I deem the application to be unopposed. I do issue a conservatory order restraining the Respondent whether by themselves or any person acting on the express orders of the Respondent, from acting on the Respondent’s communication dated 27.3.25 that suspended the applicant Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions pending hearing and determination of the petition. The Petitioner to file and serve the main petition to the Respondent, who shall respond to the petition within 30 days from today (Tuesday, March 8th). Mention will be on 4.6.2025 for further direction.”
The allegations against Homeboyz goalkeeper first surfaced following the leak of a secretly recorded video. The video, recorded from the back of a car by an unnamed individual, appeared to show him discussing a plan to manipulate the result of a match. In the footage, he was allegedly seen negotiating a deal with an undisclosed individual, discussing the details of how to influence the outcome of a football match. The release of this video quickly gained attention and led to calls for a thorough investigation into the matter. Matasi has denied the allegations, and his legal team has been working diligently to clear his name. In his defense, Matasi argued that the video had been manipulated and taken out of context, and he firmly maintains his innocence.
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Patrick Matasi with a match-fixing agent.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/kUd8XHAmrY
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 27, 2025
The court’s decision to overturn Matasi’s suspension comes as a major relief for the goalkeeper, who has been a key player for both Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz. The suspension threatened to derail his football career, especially with the ongoing investigations into the match-fixing allegations. Matasi’s legal victory has also brought to light the importance of due process in addressing such serious allegations. While FKF and other authorities continue their investigation into the match-fixing claims, the court’s ruling ensures that Matasi can continue playing for his club and national team while the legal process unfolds.
Despite the court ruling in Matasi’s favor, FKF has indicated that they will continue to pursue their investigation into the alleged match-fixing. The federation’s collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other authorities is expected to continue, and Matasi’s legal team has made it clear that they are prepared to defend their client’s innocence in court. As the investigation progresses, the Kenyan football community will be watching closely to see how the case develops and what the final outcome will be for Matasi. His legal battle could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
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