KAMPALA – Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) referee Emmanuel Kiwewa has been suspended over match-fixing allegations.
In a letter sent to Kiwewa on Tuesday, the FUFA Referees standing committee has suspended Kiwewa indefinitely claiming he tried to fix the result of a University League game.
Kiwewa is understood to have tried to acquire a bribe from Uganda Martyrs University so as to ensure yhat they win their University League semi final second leg game at home to St. Lawrence University.
“The FUFA Referees Standing Committee has been made aware of allegations against you following the incidents in the context of the University League match between Uganda Martyrs University vs St. Lawrence University played on 16th October 2019 at Nkozi Grounds of which the details are that you contacted a University official sciliciting for a bribe so as to manipulate or influence the result of the aforementioned match, reads part of the latter.
In the said phone call, Kiwewa is heard asking for UGX 1m so as to enable UMU win the game and progress to the final.
While talking to UMU head coach Noah Mugerwa, Kiwewa noted that he wanted good money and not pocket change and asked Mugerwa to talk to his superiors so as the job get done.
It is not know whether the official and UMU effected the payment or not.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes before St. Lawrence progressed to the final via penalty shoot-outs.
Kiwewa is a top tier official who has been in charge of several games already this season.
He was in charge of the game between KCCA FC and Bright Stars FC at Lugogo in which a clear goal was disallowed.
His latest top flight game was the 2-1 win for BUL FC over Tooro United FC in Fortportal.
Kiwewa’s matter has been forwarded to the FUFA Ethics Investigatory Chamber, the body mandated to conduct the investigation.
If found guilty, Kiwewa risks being banned from football for life.
