Uganda Bans 13 in Football Match-Fixing Scandal

Summary:

• Uganda’s football federation (Fufa) has banned 13 individuals, including ten referees, after uncovering a South African-based match-fixing syndicate with FIFA’s help. A player and two administrators received provisional 90-day bans. The fixing targeted seven lower-division games between October and December last year. Fufa’s evidence links the syndicate to corruption and money laundering. The banned individuals have 90 days to present their defense, with the possibility of appealing to higher authorities. Match-fixing became a criminal offense in Uganda last year, adding potential criminal charges for those found guilty.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Uganda’s football federation (Fufa) has banned 13 individuals, including ten referees, after exposing a South African-based match-fixing syndicate with the assistance of FIFA.

Among the banned are a player and two administrators, who received provisional 90-day suspensions last Thursday. Fufa’s investigation revealed that seven games in the second divisions of both men’s and women’s football were compromised between October and December last year.

“We received substantial information from intelligence sources and collaborators about the match-fixing activities in Uganda,” said Charles Twine of Fufa’s investigatory chamber on Tuesday. Calling the issue “so damaging,” Twine affirmed that Fufa possesses “incontrovertible” evidence against those involved.

Twine described the match-fixing ring as a “criminal syndicate,” highlighting its connections to corruption, money laundering, and organized crime. He pointed out that lower-tier matches are often targeted due to the absence of television cameras, which can expose such activities.

Match-fixing was criminalized in Uganda last year, ahead of the nation’s scheduled co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania. In a related development, FIFA issued global five-year bans to five players, including three from top-flight side Gaddafi FC, and ten-year bans to two Ugandan referees last week.

Fufa’s legal manager Denis Lukambi credited the detection of the fixing to systems established with FIFA and sports data company Sportradar. “We received an alert about abnormal betting activity on a particular game,” Lukambi explained, noting that most of the match-fixing involves betting, often outside the country.

The match-fixing ring was reportedly led by “Hilfiger Mutyaba, alias Chelsea, and other local criminal elements,” according to Fufa. Mutyaba, described as an ex-convict with a history of financial crimes, recruited referees and officials to manipulate matches.

“We infiltrated the syndicate, which included South African elements,” Twine said. Mutyaba, using significant financial incentives, recruited Ugandan agents who further compromised referees, club officials, and players.

Since the investigation began in December, 80% of those involved have confessed, implicating others. While some players may receive reduced bans for being coerced, Fufa suspects others placed bets on games they knew were fixed.

The 13 banned individuals have 90 days to present their defense before Fufa’s ethics committee determines their final suspensions. They can appeal to Fufa and, if necessary, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. Given the recent criminalization of match-fixing, those found guilty may also face criminal charges.

“We urge all Ugandans to collectively fight against match-fixing, regardless of your role,” Twine stated. “We are committed to eradicating this vice.”