The integrity of Kenyan football is once again under scrutiny after FIFA expelled National Super League (NSL) team Muhoroni Youth for involvement in match manipulation.
The club’s senior team has also been relegated to the third-tier Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One League, a significant setback for a side that has been struggling to remain competitive.
In a statement released this week, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed that following extensive investigations, Muhoroni Youth was found guilty of participating in activities that compromised the integrity of football matches and competitions.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also issued a statement confirming the suspension of the team, stating:
“Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirms receipt of official communication from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regarding the relegation of Muhoroni Youth Football Club to Division One, due to their involvement in match manipulation.”
This ruling places Muhoroni Youth among a growing list of Kenyan clubs embroiled in match-fixing scandals.
In March 2024, the FKF banned 15 players and officials, some linked to teams in the top-flight Premier League, over similar allegations.
One of the most high-profile cases occurred in 2021, when Zoo Kericho FC was expelled from the Kenyan Premier League due to allegations of match manipulation, drawing international attention to Kenya’s vulnerability to such practices.
“We are launching a full-scale campaign against match-fixing in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and all relevant authorities. We cannot allow this issue to undermine the progress we are making to uplift the game. Anyone found guilty will face the full consequences of their actions,” stated FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege.
To combat this growing threat, FIFA has urged all member associations, including the FKF, to implement rigorous preventive measures. The world football governing body reiterated the availability of its secure whistleblowing platform, which is designed for the discreet reporting and investigation of integrity-related misconduct.
For Muhoroni Youth, the sanctions represent a sobering turning point. Although the club retains the right to appeal the decision within ten days, the ruling has already cast a long shadow over its legacy.
