FIFA bans players from Uganda, Kenya for match manipulation

The world football body, FIFA has banned three players from Kenya and another from Uganda for being involved in match manipulation. In a communication issued by FIFA Disciplinary Committee, the four players while featuring in the Kenya Premier League where found guilty of having been involved in match manipulation in violation of art. 69 par. 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (2017 ed.) (unlawfully influencing match results).

The four players named include; George Mandela (Uganda) and the three Kenyans Moses Chikati, Festus Okiring and Festo Omukoto.

While Mandela has been banned for life, the three other players have been banned for 4 years each.

FIFA said because of his central role in the conspiracy, Mandela has been banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for life. The three Kenyan players have equally been banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for a period of four (4) years.

“The formal disciplinary proceedings against the aforementioned individuals stemmed from an investigation into various matches from the Kenyan Premier League in 2019. This investigation was conducted by FIFA through its Integrity Department with the consent of and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities,” said the FIFA statement.

The Committee said the findings of the relevant decisions were notified to the concerned individuals on Tuesday, the date on which the relevant bans come into force.