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- Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye faces a betting scandal investigation and a potential five-year football ban
- Italian club Udinese has removed the 25-year-old goalkeeper from their registered squad for the rest of the season
- Investigation by football authorities triggered by betting anomalies linked to Okoye’s yellow card against Lazio
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye finds himself embroiled in major controversy as Italian authorities are investigating a betting scandal linked to his performance.
The 25-year-old goalie, who plays for Udinese in the Serie A, allegedly received a yellow card during a match against Lazio in March 2024 under suspicious circumstances.
Source: Getty Images
With Udinese leading 2-1 in the 90th minute, Okoye was cautioned for time-wasting, a seemingly routine incident, however, investigators flagged unusual betting patterns on this specific outcome, sparking the investigation.
According to Football Italia, the prosecutor's office in Udine is investigating the incident after a betting agency's algorithm detected anomalies tied to Okoye’s booking.
The investigation extended to searching the Super Eagles goalkeeper’s home in Italy and that of Diego Giordano, another suspect who is a pizzeria owner linked to the case.
Udinese replaces Okoye amid ongoing investigation
In the wake of the betting scandal, Udinese has removed Okoye from their list of registered players for the 2024/25 season.
The German-born goalie has been replaced by Egil Selvik, a newly signed goalkeeper, in the club’s 25-man squad.
While Udinese has not officially commented on the reasons behind the move, it coincides with the investigation and Okoye’s wrist injury, which is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season.
This development raises questions about Okoye’s future with the Italian club and his professional career, as the betting allegations carry the possibility of a five-year ban from football if the Nigerian goalkeeper is found guilty of deliberate misconduct.
The implications of the scandal for Okoye
Okoye’s situation could have far-reaching consequences, not only for his club career but also for the Super Eagles squad.
The goalkeeper, who only recently returned to the Super Eagles after taking a break and missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, now faces an uncertain future.
If found guilty, Okoye’s career could be derailed by a long suspension which could last as long as five years, tarnishing his reputation on and off the pitch.
For now, both Okoye and his legal representatives are expected to contest the allegations, while Udinese continues to distance themselves from the scandal.
Okoye’s case underscores the growing vigilance in football over betting-related misconduct and the potential consequences for players involved with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tolani one of the high-profile players who have received a lengthy ban for sports betting in the past.
Okoye enmeshed in huge scandal in Italy
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Maduka Okoye is being investigated for illegal betting operations and could face at least a four-year ban.
The Udinese custodian is under investigation after the betting firm Sisal identified irregular gaming tendencies discovered by its computers.
It was reported that several people bet on Okoye receiving a yellow card during their away game against Lazio in March 2024.
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Source: Legit.ng
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