Nairobi City Stars' Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Korir alleged that matches in the Kenya Premier League (KPL) are being fixed.
Korir made the claims after Nairobi City Stars' 2-1 loss in the hands of Coastal-based side Bandari FC at the Mbaraki Sports Grounds on Sunday, January 29, 2023.
According to him, the centre referee awarded a very soft spot kick, five more minutes after the added time.
Also Read: Footballers Stranded as Clothes, Valuables Stolen at Kasarani Stadium Changing Room
“Bandari went down and the referee was very quick to point to the spot, five minutes after the added seven minutes.
“So, it raises questions. Losing is not a problem, however, the manner in which this loss has come, leaves a lot to be desired. I am categorical as Nairobi City Stars CEO, games are being fixed live,” commented Korir.
He added that the club has made complaints to FKF with regard to the referee’s conduct.
“The referee of today needs to be investigated. Because it was very clear someone had to win this game.
“But the manner in which the game was won leaves a lot to be desired. I have told him to his face, that this is match-fixing.
"I have called the federation, just to report the same,” stated Korir.
The Nairobi School alumni further lamented that it is very painful to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and end up losing the match in that peculiar manner.
This is not the first time that football stakeholders in the country are raising issues of match-fixing in KPL.
During the 2020/2021 season, Kericho-based side Zoo FC was banned by the world football governing body for engaging in match-fixing.
FIFA’s Integrity Department found Zoo FC guilty of breaching articles 18 and 8 of the body’s disciplinary code which prohibits the manipulation of matches and outlines club responsibilities.
Kenya does not have a law that criminalize match-fixing and thus suspects cannot be prosecuted in criminal courts.
However, Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke revealed a few days ago that the ministry has put plans in motion to introduce criminal penalties, particularly jail terms.