Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is at the center of a betting scandal investigation after Italian authorities flagged a suspicious incident during a Serie A match.
The 25-year-old, who plays for Udinese, allegedly received a yellow card under unusual circumstances during a match against Lazio in March 2024, raising questions about potential match-fixing.
Suspicious Booking Triggers Investigation
In the 90th minute of the match, with Udinese leading 2-1, Okoye was cautioned for time-wasting—a seemingly routine booking.
However, investigators flagged this specific yellow card after detecting irregular betting patterns associated with it.
According to Football Italia, the prosecutor’s office in Udine is now looking into the matter after an algorithm from a betting agency identified abnormal wagering related to Okoye’s booking.
Okoye in action in the serie a
The investigation has led to searches at Okoye’s residence in Italy and the home of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner believed to be linked to the case.
Udinese Takes Action: Okoye Ousted from Squad
In light of the ongoing investigation, Udinese has removed Okoye from their roster for the 2024/25 season.
The German-born goalkeeper has been replaced by newly signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik in the club’s 25-man squad.
While Udinese has yet to comment publicly on the reasons for Okoye’s removal, the move comes amid the betting scandal and his recent wrist injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
A Cloud Over Okoye’s Career: Potential Five-Year Ban
The betting investigation could have severe consequences for Okoye’s career.
If found guilty of deliberate misconduct, he could face a suspension of up to five years, significantly affecting his professional future.
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This scandal has the potential to tarnish his reputation both at Udinese and within the Super Eagles.
Okoye had recently rejoined the Super Eagles after missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but this scandal casts doubt on his continued involvement with the national team.
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A lengthy suspension could derail his international career and leave his future uncertain.
Rising Concern Over Betting in Football
Okoye’s case adds to a growing trend of betting-related misconduct investigations in football. Players like Newcastle United’s Sandro Tolani have previously faced long bans for involvement in similar offenses.
As Okoye prepares to contest the allegations, Udinese continues to distance itself from the scandal, with both the club and the player’s legal team working to address the situation.
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