Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been suspended by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over match-fixing allegations.
The FKF announced the decision on Thursday evening, hours after disclosing that investigations were underway to determine whether a video implicating the shot-stopper in a match-fixing scandal was legitimate.
"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," the statement read in part.
In the statement, the Kenyan football governing body said the suspension was effected in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations of 2016.
The act gives the FKF CEO the provision to temporarily suspend individuals suspected of match manipulation or any other related prohibited activities if there are sufficient grounds to suspend the offender following an investigation.
While serving his suspension, Matasi will be subjected to an intense investigation by the FKF, in collaboration with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Matasi's troubles began on Wednesday, March 26, when a video purportedly showing the goalkeeper alongside an unidentified individual emerged. In the video, the pair appear to be discussing the outcomes of games, with the individual believed to be Matasi nodding to instructions from another person outside the video frame.
In the video, the Harambee Stars goalkeeper appears unaware that he is being filmed.
The Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper has since denied any involvement in match-fixing, despite other videos emerging online showing the shot-stopper conceding suspiciously soft goals.
Following the provisional suspension, Matasi will be effectively barred from participating in any official football matches sanctioned by the FKF for the next three months until investigations are concluded.
If found guilty, the footballer's career could suffer a significant setback, as he faces the risk of potentially being handed a lengthy ban from football-related activities. In extreme cases, the ban could last for years.
The credibility of Kenyan sports is also at risk, as Matasi's case could potentially deter investors and sponsors due to the country's negative sporting image.
