Mathare United duo suspended over match-fixing allegations

Mathare United players Lennox Ogutu and captain Alphonce Ndonye have been suspended by the Football Kenya Federation for suspected match-fixing.

The Football Kenya Federation in a letter written to Mathare United FC said that they had gathered information from reports which pointed at the two players.

“Reference is made to the below-named persons who are football players registered with your club. Mathare United FC participates in the FKF Premier League season 2022/2023. Football Kenya Federation is in receipt of reports that the two players are involved in match-fixing practices in the Kenyan game,” a letter addressed to the club read in part.

FKF further noted they had launched investigations into the allegations touching on both players and asked Mathare United to furnish the FKF Integrity Department with the official contact details of the two players.

The relegated threatened team was further dealt a huge blow after FKF decided to suspend the duo from all football-related activities until the said matter is concluded.

“We have regrettably suspended both Mr. Ogutu and Mr. Ndonye from all football activities in the country,” the statement further read.

Early last month the Kenyan football governing body provisionally suspended 15 individuals from the game over allegations of match-fixing.

FKF said in a statement issued on Friday evening that it has received confidential reports alleging the involvement of various players and officials in match-fixing activities in the country.

It added action had been taken in an effort to protect the integrity of the league, in line with the federation’s zero-tolerance policy on match-fixing.

The lack of legal consequences and incentives from their respective teams has made local players fall prey to the menace which could tarnish the Kenyan football name in the global arena.