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Raila Odinga has sparked debate by gifting Sh1.1 million to Gor Mahia, Mara Sugar FC and referees during KPL match.
On Saturday, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga made headlines by gifting Sh1.1 million in cash to Gor Mahia, Mara Sugar FC and match officials during an FKF Premier League game at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
The gesture, which was meant to appreciate the teams and referees for their contributions to the sport, has sparked debate about whether it aligns with FIFA’s strict integrity guidelines.
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The match itself was a spectacle as Gor Mahia continued their resurgence with a dramatic 2-0 victory over Mara Sugar FC, thanks to late goals by Austin Odhiambo in the 87th minute and Gideon Bender in the 92nd.
The win propelled the reigning champions to sixth place in the FKF Premier League standings and marked their second triumph under interim coach Zedekiah Otieno, who took over after the sacking of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva.
Raila, visibly pleased with the atmosphere, addressed the crowd after the match with an announcement that was met with cheers.
“For the referees, I am giving you Sh100,000, K’Ogalo, who have come from Nairobi and are also the champions, I am giving you Sh700,000,” Raila declared.
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Mara Sugar FC were awarded Sh300,000 for their efforts.
While many hailed the gesture as a testament to Raila’s love for Kenyan football, questions quickly emerged about the implications of the referees accepting the cash gift.
FIFA’s regulations on integrity and conflict of interest, as outlined in Article 19 of its Code of Ethics, explicitly prohibit match officials from accepting gifts or benefits that could influence their neutrality.
The rule is designed to preserve the integrity of the sport and protect the credibility of officiating decisions.
According to FIFA, “Match officials must avoid any situation that might lead to conflicts of interest. They must not accept gifts, advantages, or any form of remuneration that could compromise their impartiality or create an impression of bias.”
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Sports analysts and fans have expressed mixed reactions.
Some argue that Raila’s intentions were purely benevolent and that his deep passion for football should not be viewed through the lens of FIFA’s bureaucracy.
Others, however, see this as a potential breach of integrity, raising concerns about the precedent it sets.
“While it’s clear that Raila Odinga’s gesture was intended to encourage the teams and match officials, FIFA’s rules are unequivocal,” said African football journalist Ronnie Rusulire in an interview with Pulse Sports.
“Even the perception of impropriety can damage the credibility of the match officials and cast doubt on the outcome of games.”
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The stakes are high for referees, who play a pivotal role in ensuring fair play and impartiality on the pitch.
Accepting monetary gifts, regardless of intent, can create suspicions of favoritism, even in a game as cleanly played as Gor Mahia’s victory.
“It is illegal for a football referee to accept money under any name other than the official payment received for officiating matches,” Egyptian journalist Mohamed Korime, a former FIFA referee, told Pulse Sports.
Critics point out that this could open the door for more ethically questionable scenarios, potentially eroding public trust in Kenyan football.
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Supporters of Raila’s act, however, argue that local football needs such financial interventions.
Kenyan football has often faced funding challenges, and many referees and teams struggle to make ends meet.
“Raila is stepping in where the system has failed,” said Homa Bay resident Kevin Otieno.
“His generosity should be seen as support, not bribery.”
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Nonetheless, FIFA’s guidelines are clear in their stance: the integrity of the game must be safeguarded at all costs.
In instances where referees or officials are offered gifts, FIFA recommends immediate reporting and refusal.
Failure to do so can result in severe consequences including suspensions and bans.
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