Serie A club, Udinese has removed Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from its registered players list following an ongoing investigation into alleged betting irregularities.
The 25-year-old is under scrutiny for suspicious betting patterns linked to a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio on March 11, 2024.
Italian authorities allege unusual gambling activity surrounded the booking, which occurred in the 90th minute for time-wasting.
Investigation Details
The investigation, led by the Prosecutor’s Office in Udine, was triggered by a complaint from betting agency Sisal.
The agency’s algorithm flagged the anomaly, prompting authorities to raid Okoye’s residence.
Additionally, investigators searched the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner whose restaurant is frequented by Juventus players, as part of the probe.
If found guilty, Maduka Okoye faces a potential five-year ban from football, a penalty that would significantly impact his career.
Udinese’s Response
Udinese has replaced Okoye with newly signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik in their 25-man Serie A squad.
However, the club has not clarified whether the decision is linked to the betting allegations or Okoye’s season-ending wrist injury.
Head coach Kosta Runjaic addressed the situation, emphasizing the team’s focus amid the controversy:
“We haven’t talked about it; The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently.”
Maduka Okoye’s Career and Legal Defense
Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 from English side Watford, has made 37 appearances for the club.
His legal team has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and urging the public to avoid premature conclusions.
Broader Implications
The investigation has placed a spotlight on betting practices in Italian football, raising concerns about the integrity of the game.
Authorities are expected to widen the scope of their probe as they seek to determine the full extent of any wrongdoing.
For now, Maduka Okoye’s future hangs in the balance as he awaits the outcome of the investigation, which could shape the trajectory of his promising career.
