Maduka Okoye in trouble as investigation begins into illegal betting accusation

The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Udine has started an investigation into Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye over accusations of illegal betting.

If found guilty, the Nigerian player could face at least a four-year ban from all football competitions.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal noticed unusual gambling patterns linked to bets placed on Okoye getting a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024.

Okoye was indeed booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute, and this has become the focus of the investigation.

The investigation has also involved Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in Udine. It is reported that Giordano may have played a key role in organising the alleged betting scheme.

It is said that a verbal agreement was made at his pizzeria, which was then acted upon at a Sisal betting shop in Udine, just days before the Lazio-Udinese match.

Okoye’s legal team has strongly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and lacking in evidence. They expressed confidence that Okoye would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Currently recovering from wrist surgery, Okoye’s absence has led Udinese to sign Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik as a precaution.

The investigation is still ongoing, and both Okoye and Giordano could face serious consequences if the allegations are proven.