Ex-Sofapaka Midfielder Feni Ali Handed Lifetime Ban Over Match-Fixing Scandal

Feni Ali, a former Sofapaka midfielder, has received a lifetime ban from all football-related activities after being charged with masterminding illegal betting in Uganda, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced.

The sanction was issued by the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following investigations into match manipulation involving the Uganda Premier League fixture between Lugazi FC and Buhimba United Saints FC played on November 8, 2025.

The federation said Ali played a central role in orchestrating match-fixing activities and acted as a key intermediary between players and match-fixers.

In a statement released on June 1, 2026, FUFA said the committee had sanctioned five individuals after finding them guilty of match manipulation in violation of Articles 43 and 44 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.

“The FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned five individuals after finding them guilty of match manipulation, in violation of Articles 43 and 44 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code,” the federation said.

Lifetime Ban for Former Midfielder

According to the federation, Ali received the heaviest punishment after investigators established that he coordinated match-fixing in several matches, including the Lugazi FC versus Buhimba United Saints FC encounter.

“Ali Feni, former player – Banned for life from all football-related activities after being found to have coordinated match-fixing in several matches, including Lugazi FC vs Buhimba United Saints FC, by acting as an intermediary between players and match-fixers,” FUFA stated.

Ali is a familiar figure in Ugandan football, having featured for SC Villa, URA FC, Proline FC, Wakiso Giants FC and Kyetume FC during his playing career.

He also had a brief stint in Kenya with Sofapaka in 2017, where he spent six months at the club.

Despite emerging as Sofapaka’s highest-scoring midfielder during his short stay, Ali left the club under circumstances that were never fully explained.

His latest sanction now effectively ends any future involvement in football activities under FUFA regulations.

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Other Players and Officials Punished by FUFA 

Former Gor Mahia FC, Bandari FC, Tusker FC, and Nairobi City Stars left-back Fred Nkata was among those sanctioned by the committee.

FUFA handed Nkata a five-year ban from all football-related activities after finding him culpable in the match-fixing case.

“Fred Nkata, Buhimba United Saints FC player – Banned for five years,” the federation announced.

The committee also imposed a five-year ban on Buhimba United Saints FC player Moses Ayebale and the club’s Technical Director, James Kalumba.

Another player, Ramadhan Dudu, received a two-year suspension.

“Moses Ayebale, Buhimba United Saints FC player – Banned for five years. Ramadhan Dudu, Buhimba United Saints FC player – Banned for two years. James Kalumba, Technical Director, Buhimba United Saints FC – Banned for five years,” the Federation said.

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Sanctions Take Immediate Effect

The federation confirmed that the decisions have already been communicated to all affected parties and took effect immediately upon notification.

“FUFA has communicated the decisions to all concerned parties, and the sanctions took effect immediately upon notification,” the statement said.

However, the federation noted that those sanctioned still have an opportunity to challenge the ruling through the established legal channels.

“The affected parties reserve the right to appeal,” FUFA added.

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Moses Magogo Hassim, the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in a past federation event in Uganda. PHOTO/ FUFA