Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye under investigation for alleged match-fixing in Serie A
Udinese custodian Maduka Okoye is under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Udine amid allegations of illegal betting, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Nigerian player, who is currently sidelined with a wrist injury, faces a potential minimum four-year ban from all football activities if found guilty.
The inquiry was instigated after betting operator Sisal detected unusual gambling patterns concerning bets placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card during Udinese's Serie A match against Lazio on 11 March 2024, a fixture Udinese won 2-1. Okoye was cautioned for time-wasting in the 64th minute, an incident that has drawn scrutiny due to a significant spike in betting activity linked to his booking.
The investigation has also brought to light the involvement of Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in Udine, who is alleged to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the purported betting scheme.
Reports indicate that a verbal agreement regarding the bets was made at Giordano’s establishment, which was later acted upon at a Sisal betting shop shortly before the match.
In response to the allegations, Okoye’s legal team has categorically denied any wrongdoing, branding the claims as unfounded and lacking in evidence. They remain optimistic that the goalkeeper will ultimately be cleared of all charges.
