Former Kenyan football international Nicholas Muyoti advocates for equitable player compensation as a crucial step in combating the scourge of match-fixing, shedding light on the corrupting influence it exerts and the challenges faced by players.
In recent years, the Kenyan football landscape has been riddled with discussions regarding match-fixing, particularly within the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) and the National Super League (NSL).
Match-fixing has become an open secret within the local football scene, involving both local criminals and counterparts from Asia and other parts of the world.
Reports of match-fixing cases on Kenyan soil have surged since the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Kenya and Nigeria at the Kasarani Stadium.
Wilson Raj Perumal, renowned as one of football’s most prolific match-fixers globally, claimed to have influenced the Super Eagles’ victory in the final qualifying group.
In his confession, Perumal, who was convicted for match-fixing, asserted that he provided a substantial sum of money amounting to millions to three Kenyan players whom he believed would be in the starting lineup.
Nine years following the match, FIFA imposed a 10-year ban on former Kenyan international George Owino Audi after he was found guilty of involvement in match-fixing.
In recent years, several cases have come to light, prompting the Football Kenya Federation to take action by suspending and banning players implicated in these activities.
Former Kenyan international Nicholas Muyoti has now called upon football clubs nationwide to enhance the well-being of their players as a strategy to combat gambling and match-fixing.
Muyoti, currently in charge of Nairobi City Stars, has vehemently denounced the scourge of match-fixing.
“Match-fixing is a cancer that corrodes the very essence of football. Betting has had a devastating impact, a reality I witnessed firsthand during my playing days in Asia,” Muyoti recollected on the Tiki Taka Show.
“I observed players pleading with referees for red cards, goalkeepers deliberately conceding easy goals, and teammates seemingly content with continuous losses.”
“Goalkeepers allowed ridiculously simple goals, leaving me puzzled. Shockingly, some of my teammates appeared satisfied with this, leaving me baffled until I unearthed the grim truth behind their actions.”
While the revelation of Wilson Raj Perumal’s involvement in the Kenya vs. Nigeria match exposed the international scale of this issue, Muyoti believes the solutions can be found locally.
“One effective remedy I propose for teams in our league is to ensure fair compensation for players. This could deter players from succumbing to the temptation of match-fixing,” Muyoti asserted.
“Regrettably, some clubs mistreat their players, either delaying or sporadically paying them. This inconsistent pattern makes it impossible for players to manage their daily expenses.”
Football, a sport demanding complete focus, necessitates that players are free from external pressures. When the struggle to meet daily expenses and secure one’s livelihood overshadows the love for the game, the very essence of the sport is compromised.
Muyoti raises a poignant question about the sport’s future in such circumstances, stating, “Imagine being a player in the Premier League, witnessing senior players grappling with these challenges. How can young, aspiring players stay motivated in such an environment?”
This urgent plea for improved pay and better treatment is not just about rescuing current players but also about securing the future of Kenyan football.
If the upcoming generation witnesses their idols and senior players yielding to match-fixing pressures due to financial hardships, the outlook for Kenyan football is bleak.
“We must elevate the standards and practices of our football to inspire the next generation,” Muyoti emphasized in conclusion.
While the FKF has taken steps in recent years to combat match-fixing, Muyoti’s call underscores a deeper and systemic issue.
To eradicate the menace of match-fixing, clubs nationwide must ensure equitable compensation, timely payments, and the respect players deserve.
The battle against match-fixing commences with addressing the immediate needs of players, safeguarding their welfare, and preserving the sport’s integrity for generations to come.
