Udinese drops Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from their squad as investigations into alleged betting irregularities intensify. Authorities suspect foul play linked to a yellow card issued in a March 2024 match. If found guilty, Okoye could face a five-year football ban, severely impacting his career and reputation.
Serie A side Udinese has excluded Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from its roster due to an ongoing investigation into alleged betting violations. The probe focuses on irregular betting activity linked to a yellow card issued to Okoye during a March 2024 match against Lazio, where Udinese secured a 2-1 victory.
Authorities suspect the 25-year-old deliberately delayed play in the 90th minute, leading to the booking. Italian prosecutors in Udine launched their investigation following an alert from betting agency Sisal, whose system flagged unusual wagering patterns surrounding the incident.
As part of the inquiry, law enforcement searched Okoye’s residence and investigated Diego Giordano, a local restaurateur known to serve Juventus players.
In response, Udinese has replaced Okoye with Egil Selvik in their Serie A squad, distancing themselves from the controversy. Meanwhile, Okoye’s legal representatives have dismissed the allegations as unfounded and urged against hasty judgments.
If found guilty, Okoye risks a significant career setback, including a potential five-year football ban. This development raises broader concerns about the integrity of professional sports amid increasing scrutiny of betting practices.
