For ages, sport and betting have co-existed, much like Siamese twins, joined at the hip. From horse racing to cricket to soccer et al, bet enthusiasts have made money, and counted losses on the flipside, in dicey affairs that is the betting world.

This is a murky planet that more often than not sucks in participants to the point of no return, in games and gambles that are dangerously addictive.

SYNDICATES

In developed economies like Malaysia and Singapore, the practice is so deep-rooted, becoming sort of some way of life in these Asian nations. Betting rings and cartels have become so common in these hitherto struggling economies, and footballers have ignominiously found themselves entangled in the mess, much to the detriment of the sport.

The practice is fast catching up in Kenya.Reports recently surfaced about match-fixing allegations involving a national team goalkeeper in a high profile match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Nairobi.

Huge amounts of money reportedly changed hands in the deal sealed at a top city hotel. Kenya lost the crucial tie under a cloud.

A celebrated cricket star saw his glittering career come to a screeching halt after a rancorous court battle following allegations of receiving money to give away a match.

While pundits and bookmakers are having a field day, footballers, administrators and match officials are stuck neck-deep in a new craze in town; Live betting.

While this may pass out as an innocent undertaking and an irresistible opportunity to make a quick buck, the repercussions are deadly. It is a syndrome that is fast catching up in the country and if not nipped in the bud, may morph into a rogue monster, too fierce to tame let alone contain.

Picture a scenario where a player bets against his team’s victory, for whatever reason, while at the same time expected to perform to the maximum for their side; a conflict of interest will surely be at play , and the outcome can only point to one side;

under-performance for the sake of monetary gain. It’s akin to throwing away a game. Match officials may also carry vested interests in matches they have put money on.

CHECKS AND BALANCES

While there are no set parameters for participants in betting circles, there must be checks and balances to curb something that may come out as match-fixing disguised. Players, administrators and

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com