The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Udine has launched an investigation into Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye over allegations of illegal betting. If found guilty, the Nigerian player could face a minimum four-year ban from all football competitions.
The investigation was triggered by unusual gambling patterns noticed by betting agency Sisal, linked to bets placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024. Okoye was booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute, which has become the focal point of the investigation.
Additionally, the investigation involves Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in Udine, who is suspected of playing a key role in organizing the alleged betting scheme. Reports suggest that a verbal agreement was made at his pizzeria, which was then acted upon at a Sisal betting shop in Udine, just days before the Lazio-Udinese match.
Okoye’s legal team has strongly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and lacking in evidence. They expressed confidence that Okoye would be cleared of any wrongdoing. Currently recovering from wrist surgery, Okoye’s absence has led Udinese to sign Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik as a precaution.
The investigation is ongoing, and both Okoye and Giordano could face serious consequences if the allegations are proven.
