FKF CEO Ndege wants players' welfare prioritised to avoid 'unethical' behavior

Football Kenya Federation Chief Executive Officer Harold Ndege has called on football clubs to prioritize player welfare as a key measure in the fight against match-fixing. Ndege stressed that poor salaries and lack of motivation often push players into unethical practices, jeopardizing the integrity of the sport.

“We urge players within the Kenyan football system to uphold professionalism and integrity. Avoid engaging in match-fixing, as it not only tarnishes your reputation but also threatens your career. The same warning applies to referees and football administrators,” Ndege stated.

He warned that FKF has a low threshold for proving match-fixing allegations, meaning even minimal evidence could lead to severe sanctions.

“A small piece of evidence is enough for us to ban you, not just from Kenyan football but from the entire football ecosystem,” he added.

Ndege’s remarks come in the wake of Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Patrick Matasi’s provisional suspension. The FKF Disciplinary Committee recently barred the Harambee Stars shot-stopper from all football activities in Kenya for 90 days as investigations into alleged match-fixing continue

Matasi’s case highlights growing concerns over the integrity of Kenyan football, with authorities tightening their stance on malpractices in the game. Ndege emphasized that clubs must take responsibility by ensuring players receive fair wages and proper support to prevent them from falling into the trap of match manipulation.