Match fixing: Muhoroni Youth among two clubs expelled by FIFA

In a bold and unprecedented move, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has expelled two football clubs,Kenya’s Muhoroni Youth and Vietnam’s Phu Tho FC — from their respective leagues following damning match manipulation investigations.
The development underscores FIFA’s renewed commitment to restoring integrity in the beautiful game.
Announced on Friday, the decision follows extensive probes that revealed both clubs were complicit in match-fixing activities, violating the core values of sportsmanship and fair competition. FIFA’s official statement made it clear that the world football governing body is leaving no stone unturned in its battle against corruption within the sport.
“As part of its zero-tolerance policy against match manipulation, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has taken decisive action to uphold fair play and transparency in the game,” the statement read.
In Kenya, Muhoroni Youth’s senior team has been expelled from the Football Kenya Federation National Super League, the country’s second-tier league. Effective next season, the team will be demoted to the Division One League, a sharp fall from grace for a club that once harbored hopes of top-flight return.
Muhoroni Youth, previously regarded as a promising side with a strong local following, now faces uncertain times. The decision will not only affect the club’s competitiveness but also its financial standing, sponsorship opportunities, and talent development structures.
“This is a wake-up call for all clubs in Kenya,” a local football analyst commented. “Match-fixing is a disease that threatens the very fabric of our game. FIFA’s intervention shows that impunity will no longer be tolerated.”
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has also been contacted by FIFA and tasked with implementing stringent preventative measures. These include educational programs, surveillance mechanisms, and stricter club licensing regulations to avert similar scandals in the future.
Vietnam Phu Tho faces similar fate
Thousands of kilometers away, Phu Tho FC of Vietnam suffered a similar fate. The club has been expelled from the Vietnamese Football League Second Division and demoted to the country’s Third Division,a significant setback for a team that was aiming for promotion.
Vietnam, like Kenya, is now under scrutiny as FIFA demands accountability and transparency from its member associations. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is expected to collaborate closely with FIFA to roll out anti-match-fixing initiatives that protect the game’s integrity.
Despite the ruling, both clubs have been given ten days to request the official reasons behind the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision. Additionally, they have the right to appeal the rulings through the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Legal experts, however, suggest that overturning such decisions is rare unless there are clear procedural errors or new exculpatory evidence. Given FIFA’s strong stance, the prospects of a successful appeal appear slim.
These landmark ruling sends a clear and chilling message to clubs, players, and officials worldwide — the era of tolerance for match manipulation is over.
FIFA’s proactive approach signals a transformative shift in how football governance bodies will respond to integrity breaches. From grassroots to elite levels, the emphasis is now on education, compliance, and vigilance.
“Football must remain a beacon of honesty, unity, and competition,” FIFA’s statement concluded. “We will not hesitate to take firm action where these values are compromised.”
As the football world watches closely, the fallout from these decisions could mark a turning point in the global fight against match-fixing. For Muhoroni Youth and Phu Tho FC, however, the road to redemption will be long — if not impossible.
Story by Cynthia Ochieng