Kenyan Defender in Match Fixing Scandal

Harambee Stars defender George Owino has been accused of potentially breaching the Federation of International Football Association’s (Fifa) Code of Ethics between June 2009 and 2011.

The world football governing body has compiled a preliminary investigation report into allegations that Owino agreed that he would play under instruction from known match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal, along with several of his team mates, and that he conspired with Perumal over plans to fix matches for cash.

The evidence includes 177 email between Owino and Perumal and is understood to relate to 14 matches, potentially including the 2010 Fifa World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Tunisia. On the fixture, Perumal is reported as writing

“You’ve to make up your mind if you want money or result… Note that if you lose by 1-0 to Tunisia you will end up with nothing. I want a 3-0 score line. I expect the score to be 2-0 in a normal game, but with your assistance I can get a 3-0 scoreline.”

According to the emails Perumal offered to bring Owino across to a club in Australia. In agreeing the terms he has been reported as stating: “The purpose I’m going to bring you there is for business, but you have to remain loyal to me only. Remain free. Salary each month is $30,000. If I say lose, you do as I say, or else you won’t see your salary.”

Perumal has previously been found guilty of match-fixing in both Finland and Hungary.