Udinese’s Okoye investigated over alleged betting scandal

The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, as the goalkeeper is suspected of illegal betting practices and could risk a ban from all competitions for up to four years.

Okoye of Udinese risks lengthy ban for illegal betting

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal reported unusual gambling patterns detected by its algorithms, as people placed an abnormal amount of bets on the likelihood of Okoye being booked during Udinese’s away clash at Lazio in March of 2024, with the goalkeeper receiving a yellow card for time-wasting after 64 minutes.

Such a warning sparked suspicions in the public prosecutor, who is also looking at the role of Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old owner of the Biffi pizzeria in Udine.

The pink newspaper explains that the restaurant owner is also under investigation, as it’s alleged that a verbal agreement regarding the bet was made at the pizzeria and later executed at a Sisal betting outlet in the city, just a few days before the meeting between Lazio and Udinese.

If found guilty, Okoye could face a ban from all competitions for at least four years, in addition to potential legal consequences. However, the player’s legal representatives have denied all allegations, claiming that the accusations are unfounded and lack any substantial evidence.

The goalkeeper is now out of action after undergoing wrist surgery, with the club recently signing Egil Selvik as a precautionary measure.