Maduka Okoye, the Nigerian international and Udinese goalkeeper, has found himself at the center of an investigation into alleged illegal betting practices. The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an inquiry into Okoye’s activities, which could potentially lead to a minimum four-year ban from all competitions.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal flagged unusual gambling patterns involving bets placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A away match against Lazio in March 2024. Okoye was indeed booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute, which has now become the focal point of the investigation.
The inquiry has also extended to Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in Udine, who is suspected of playing a key role in orchestrating the alleged betting scheme. It is alleged that a verbal agreement was made at his establishment and later executed at a Sisal betting outlet in Udine, just days before the Lazio-Udinese match.
In response to the allegations, Okoye’s legal team has firmly denied any wrongdoing. “The accusations are baseless and lack substantial evidence,” they stated, emphasizing their confidence in clearing the goalkeeper’s name.
As the investigation unfolds, Okoye’s future in the sport remains uncertain. If found guilty, the consequences could be severe, including a minimum four-year ban from all competitions.