Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks Kenyan Football: Three Referees Suspended

TheFootball Kenya Federation(FKF) has suspended three referees and two football officials over allegations of match-fixing in a recent Premier League match. The suspensions, announced on May 3, 2024, come as the FKF investigates the conduct of the individuals involved in the match between FC Talanta and Nairobi City Stars at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos two weeks ago.

Why this matters: The match-fixing scandal in Kenyan football has far-reaching implications for the integrity of the sport globally, as it undermines trust in the fairness of competitions and can lead to a loss of fan confidence. Furthermore, the lack of laws to prosecute individuals involved in match-fixing in Kenya highlights the need for stronger legislation to combat corruption in sports.

The suspended individuals include referees Meshack Omondi, Jacqueline Barongo, and Stephen Adeya, as well as FC Talanta goalkeeper Kevin Otieno Olang'o and Kibra United Team Manager Abdulkarim Amele. The FKF'sIntegrity Departmenthas opened investigations into the alleged match-fixing involvement, with the federation directing its members and the general public not to have any form of sporting contact with the suspended individuals until the investigations are concluded.

In a statement, the FKF said, "In light of these allegations, the above-named individuals have been provisionally suspended from all football-related activities with immediate effect. This suspension will remain in force until the investigations are concluded and a determination is made by the FKF Disciplinary Committee."

The match in question ended in a 3-0 victory for Nairobi City Stars, with three penalties awarded during the game. Two of the penalties were missed by FC Talanta, while City Stars converted their penalty late in the match. The unusual number of penalties raised suspicions about the integrity of the match officials.

This incident is not an isolated case in Kenyan football. In recent years, the FKF has taken action against several officials and clubs over match-fixing allegations. In 2021, five referees were suspended, and in 2022, FIFA expelled Zoo FC from the top-flight league over match manipulation. The lack of laws in Kenya to prosecute individuals involved in match-fixing has hindered efforts to combat the vice, despite the FKF's attempts to sensitize its members through workshops and messages urging them not to engage in such activities.

Thesuspended refereeMeshack Omondi, also known as Meshack Kobilo, had been under scrutiny for some time, with several of his decisions raising concerns. Last season, two of his decisions in a match between Gor Mahia and Tusker FC attracted criticism from Tusker FC's coach Robert Matano, with the defeat ultimately costing Tusker FC the league title by a single point.

As theFKF continuesits investigation into the alleged match-fixing incident, the football community in Kenya awaits the findings and the disciplinary measures that will be taken against those found guilty. The outcome of this case will serve as a testament to the FKF's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and its determination to root out corruption in Kenyan football.

Key Takeaways

• FKF suspends 3 referees and 2 officials over match-fixing allegations in a Premier League match.
• The match in question was between FC Talanta and Nairobi City Stars, ending 3-0 in favor of City Stars.
• The suspensions are provisional until the investigations are concluded and a determination is made.
• This is not an isolated incident, with previous match-fixing allegations and suspensions in Kenyan football.
• Lack of laws in Kenya to prosecute match-fixing individuals hinders efforts to combat corruption in sports.