The High Court in Kakamega has lifted the suspension imposed on Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who had been banned by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over allegations of match-fixing. The court issued a ruling on Tuesday, granting Matasi a conservatory order that allows him to resume participating in all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions until the matter is fully heard and determined.
Matasi, who plays for both the national team and Kakamega Homeboyz, had been handed a 90-day suspension on March 27 following concerns raised by videos circulating on social media. The videos allegedly showed the goalkeeper in suspicious interactions with an unidentified individual, who was believed to be a “recruiter” involved in match-fixing activities. The FKF’s decision to suspend Matasi came as part of their efforts to protect the integrity of Kenyan football, although the goalkeeper has consistently denied the accusations.
In its ruling, the High Court sided with Matasi, who filed a petition challenging the suspension. The court stated that FKF had failed to respond to the application or appear in court. As a result, the judge issued a conservatory order, preventing FKF from enforcing the suspension pending a full hearing of the case. The order effectively allows Matasi to continue his career uninterrupted for now.
The ruling also stipulated that FKF must respond to Matasi’s petition within 30 days. The court further scheduled a mention on June 4, 2025, for further directions regarding the case. This decision represents a significant moment in the legal process and could have broader implications for how match-fixing allegations are handled in Kenyan football.
Matasi, who has been a key figure for the Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz, expressed his relief and optimism following the court’s ruling. He has always maintained his innocence and has looked forward to resuming his role as a top goalkeeper in both domestic and international competitions. The goalkeeper’s supporters and legal team have argued that the suspension was based on unverified claims, and they are hopeful that the judicial process will clear his name.
The case has sparked significant discussion within Kenyan football circles, with many questioning the integrity of the match-fixing allegations. While the FKF has stated that it takes such matters very seriously and must act to protect the sport, critics argue that the federation’s decision to suspend Matasi without a thorough investigation may have been premature. They have raised concerns about the potential damage to a player’s career based on unsubstantiated claims.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the FKF’s response and the eventual court proceedings. If Matasi is cleared of any wrongdoing, it could set a precedent for how match-fixing allegations should be handled in the future, particularly in terms of ensuring that players’ rights are protected during such investigations. The outcome of this case could also influence the way football associations in Kenya and other African nations approach allegations of corruption within the sport.
The coming months will be crucial as the football community waits to see how the case progresses and whether Matasi will be fully exonerated. His career, along with the broader issue of match-fixing in African football, remains in the spotlight.
