High court dismisses Patrick Matasi’s petition against FKF suspension

Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi in a previous training with the national team Harambee Stars. (Photo: Patrick Matasi/ Facebook)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Patrick Matasi had moved to court in April 2025, obtaining conservatory orders that temporarily restrained FKF from enforcing a 90-day provisional suspension imposed on him following the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing him inside a vehicle discussing plans to fix an unspecified match.

The High Court has dismissed a petition filed by former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, effectively allowing the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to proceed with disciplinary action against him over alleged involvement in match manipulation.

Matasi had moved to court in April 2025, obtaining conservatory orders that temporarily restrained FKF from enforcing a 90-day provisional suspension imposed on him following the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing him inside a vehicle discussing plans to fix an unspecified match.

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However, in its latest ruling, the Court lifted those orders, siding with FKF’s argument that it had acted within its statutes and the FKF Anti–Match Manipulation Regulations (2016). The decision marks a significant legal victory for the federation as it continues efforts to uphold integrity in Kenyan football.

In a statement dated March 27, 2025, FKF had announced Matasi’s provisional suspension, stating, “FKF, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated an official investigation into the matter. The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties.”

Following the emergence of the footage, Matasi strongly denied being the individual featured in the videos. His club chairman, Cleophas Shimanyula, defended the player, saying the goalkeeper was shocked by the allegations.

“When the first video surfaced on Wednesday night, I sent it to him, and he responded by saying he had no knowledge of it. This morning (Thursday, March 27), I shared the second part with him, but he maintained that it is not him in the footage. He is shocked by these videos,” Shimanyula told the Daily Nation.

With the High Court’s decision to strike out the petition, FKF is now free to proceed with its 90-day suspension and continue investigations into the alleged match-fixing incident involving the national team goalkeeper.

Earlier, FKF had enlisted the help of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe the allegations.

Letters sent to both agencies and seen by The Eastleigh Voice indicated that the federation sought assistance in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the claims.

In the correspondence, FKF underscored the seriousness of match manipulation, terming it a criminal act comparable to obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code. The federation also noted that any attempt or conspiracy to fix matches could fall under Section 47A of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

While acknowledging that match manipulation is not explicitly criminalised under current Kenyan law, FKF emphasised its commitment to combating the vice through collaboration with law enforcement and other relevant bodies.

The federation further confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing in line with its regulations, but sought the intervention of state agencies to thoroughly examine Matasi’s alleged involvement and identify any potential accomplices.

“Your assistance in this matter will be highly appreciated as the Federation works towards curbing this vice and engaging the relevant body for the necessary legislative amendments to criminalise this offence,” FKF concluded in its letter.