Udinese’s Maduka Okoye Under Investigation for Alleged Betting Scandal

Allegations and Investigation Details
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal flagged irregular betting activity related to Okoye’s yellow card during Udinese’s match against Lazio in March 2024. The unusual volume of bets on Okoye receiving a booking for time-wasting—an event that materialized in the 64th minute—triggered concerns and prompted further scrutiny.
Authorities are also examining the involvement of Diego Giordano, the owner of a pizzeria in Udine. Investigators suspect that a verbal agreement regarding the bet was arranged at Giordano’s establishment and later placed at a Sisal betting outlet in the city, just days before the match.
Potential Consequences
If found guilty, Okoye could be handed a ban of at least four years from competitive football, along with possible legal ramifications. Despite the severity of the accusations, the player’s legal team has strongly refuted the claims, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence.
Udinese has not issued an official statement on the matter, but the club has recently secured the signing of Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Okoye is currently sidelined following wrist surgery, which could keep him out of action for an extended period.
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