Udinese’s Nigerian goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has received a two-month ban for violating betting rules, following a thorough investigation by Italian football authorities.
According to reports from Football Italia on Tuesday, the 25-year-old international player narrowly avoided a more severe four-year suspension for sports corruption.
The controversy emerged on March 11, 2024, during a Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio, where Okoye was cautioned for delaying the game in the 64th minute while his team was leading 2-1.
Authorities noticed a significant spike in suspicious wagers predicting the yellow card, with most bets traced to the Udine region.
The wagers, reportedly placed at 8/1 odds, allegedly generated over €120,000 in winnings.
Following this, Okoye and three associates were placed under investigation, and the case was brought before the disciplinary committee in June 2025.
Although there were initial concerns that the goalkeeper could face sports corruption charges and a four-year ban, the disciplinary panel opted for a lesser offense related to illegal betting.
The suspension will take effect on August 18, 2025, when Udinese faces Carrarese in the Coppa Italia, ruling Okoye out of six Serie A matches.
He will be eligible to return on October 19.Okoye, who has earned 18 caps for Nigeria, joined Udinese from Watford in 2023.
