Maduka Okoye Suspended for Two Months Over Illegal Betting Scandal in Italy

 

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension after Italian football authorities found him guilty of illegal betting activities, narrowly avoiding a much longer ban for sporting fraud.

According to Football Italia, the 24-year-old Udinese shot-stopper was linked to suspicious betting activity surrounding a Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio on March 11, 2024, in which he received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute. At the time, Udinese were leading 2-1.

Betting Patterns Trigger Investigation

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) launched an investigation after bookmakers flagged a spike in bets specifically predicting that Okoye would receive a yellow card. The bets — mostly placed in the Udine area — were reportedly made at odds of 8/1 and generated over €120,000 in winnings.

Following the discovery, authorities questioned Okoye and three alleged accomplices. While initial reports suggested a potential four-year ban for sporting fraud — a charge that could have severely damaged his career — the disciplinary commission opted for a lesser charge of illegal betting.

Suspension Details

The suspension begins on August 18, 2025, the same day Udinese are scheduled to face Carrarese in the Coppa Italia. Okoye will miss six Serie A games and will be eligible to return to action on October 19.

This development is a major blow for both Udinese and the Nigerian national team, especially with qualifiers and friendlies approaching. Okoye, who joined Udinese from Watford in 2023, has made 18 appearances for the Super Eagles and remains one of the country’s top goalkeeping talents.