In Summary
- Anas says he was simply fulfilling his duties as an investigative journalist.
- Marwa was initially slated to officiate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
- CAF’s Disciplinary Committee found Marwa guilty of match-fixing
Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the controversial Ghanaian journalist, has defended his actions that led to the end of a Kenyan referee’s career, stating that his intention was to expose corruption within the game.
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Anas Defends His Exposee
When questioned about the circumstances surrounding the entrapment of the renowned Kenyan referee Aden Marwa during an interview with Ghetto Radio Breakfast show host Julius Owino “Maji Maji”, Anas reiterated that he was simply fulfilling his duties as an investigative journalist.
The referee in question, Marwa, who was initially slated to officiate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, was removed from consideration after being filmed “receiving a gift.” Anas’ investigative work brought this footage to light, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to impose a lifetime ban on Marwa and several others involved in the scandal.
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee found Marwa guilty of match-fixing based on the video evidence, leading to his expulsion from the sport and related activities.
Additionally, ten other referees received bans ranging from two to ten years, while eleven were temporarily suspended pending further investigation.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Marwa returned to his teaching position at Komotobo Secondary School in Kuria East, Migori County, effectively ending his career as a professional referee.
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Marwa’s Football Career
Marwa served as a FIFA referee since 2011. He is the first Kenyan football official to be involved in any FIFA competition, having featured in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was named as an assistant referee in the 2012 and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
