Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is under investigation by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly engaging in illegal betting activities, with the possibility of facing a ban from all football competitions for up to four years.
The investigation, which has sparked significant concern, centers around suspicious gambling behavior linked to a yellow card Okoye received during a match against Lazio in March 2024.
The probe was initiated after a report from the betting agency Sisal flagged unusual gambling patterns that were detected through its algorithms.
The agency noted a significant surge in bets on the likelihood of Okoye receiving a yellow card during the away match between Udinese and Lazio.
The goalkeeper was cautioned for time-wasting in the 64th minute, which led to questions about the circumstances surrounding the event. This raised suspicions within the Public Prosecutor’s Office, prompting a deeper investigation into the matter.
In addition to Okoye, the authorities are also investigating Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner from Udine.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Giordano is believed to have played a role in facilitating the alleged betting arrangement.
Reports suggest that a verbal agreement regarding the bet was made at his Biffi pizzeria, before being executed at a Sisal betting outlet in Udine just days prior to the Lazio-Udinese match.
Should Okoye be found guilty of involvement in match-fixing or illegal betting practices, he could face a lengthy ban of at least four years from all competitive football, along with potential legal repercussions.
The player’s legal team has, however, denied all allegations, asserting that the accusations are baseless and lack sufficient evidence to support the claims.
The timing of the investigation is particularly significant, as Okoye is currently sidelined following wrist surgery.
In light of his absence, Udinese recently signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik as a precautionary measure to strengthen their squad.
The unfolding situation has raised serious questions about the integrity of the sport and the potential consequences for players found to be involved in illegal activities.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on how the case develops and what impact it may have on Okoye’s career and reputation within the football community.
