Maduka Okoye Faces Possible 4-Year Ban Over Alleged Betting Scandal

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, could be banned from football for up to four years after being accused of taking part in a betting scandal in Italy.

The 25-year-old, who plays for Udinese in Serie A, is being investigated by Italian authorities for alleged involvement in suspicious betting during a match on 11 March 2024, when Udinese beat Lazio 2-1.

Okoye was shown a yellow card in the 64th minute by referee Gianluca Aureliano for time-wasting. However, reports now say there was unusual betting activity surrounding that booking.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, several bets were placed on Okoye to get a yellow card, with odds at 8/1. These bets reportedly won over €120,000, and most of them were made at betting shops in the Udine area.

Investigators believe Okoye may have worked with one of the people who placed the bets – said to be a close friend who runs a pizza shop in Udine.

Okoye and three other people are now being investigated by police in Udine for sporting fraud, which is more serious than normal betting offences under Italian law. The federal prosecutor has officially reported Okoye, accusing him of trying to influence the outcome of a match, as stated in Article 30 of Italy’s sporting code.

This case has now been passed to Italy’s disciplinary commission, meaning a formal trial is expected soon. Unlike other betting offences, sporting fraud does not allow for any settlement or plea deal — if found guilty, the punishment is compulsory.

Okoye joined Udinese from Watford in 2023 and has made 48 appearances for the club, including 46 Serie A games. He also has 18 international caps for Nigeria.

If found guilty, he could be banned for several years, which would badly affect his career for both club and country.