- Kakamega High Court lifted Patrick Matasi’s suspension over alleged match-fixing accusations.
- FKF had suspended Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days on March 27.
- The court also gave FKF 30 days to respond to the petition, with the hearing set for June 4 this year.
Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been granted a reprieve after the Kakamega High Court overturned his suspension over alleged match-fixing accusations.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the court granted Matasi a conservatory order, allowing him to resume participation in all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions until the matter is fully heard and resolved.
The 37-year-old was suspended by FKF from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days on March 27, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation.
FKF, in collaboration with the world governing body FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant authorities, an official investigation was initiated into the matter.
The FKF confirmed Matasi’s suspension, in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016).
The court order was issued by the Kakamega High Court on Tuesday, March 8.
Patrick Matasi reprieve
In a ruling delivered by Judge S.N. Mbungi of the Kakamega High Court in Western Province, Matasi was named the Petitioner, while FKF are the Respondents.
Below is the full Court Order signed by Mbungi, as obtained by Flashcore:
“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 ruling halted the decision to ban Matasi, giving Football Kenya Federation FKF 30 days to respond to the petition and set June 4 as the hearing date.
The former AFC Leopards, Tusker, and Kenya Police custodian has been the subject of widespread attention, both in Kenya and globally, following the leak of a video allegedly showing him engaging in actions to manipulate the national team, Harambee Stars’ results and negotiating with unknown individuals in a car.
