Super Eagles goalkeeper and Udinese shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye, has been slapped with a two-month suspension by Italian football authorities after being found guilty of illegal betting.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international will serve the ban from August 18 to October 19, 2025, missing the start of the new Serie A season. The suspension stems from suspicious betting activity during Udinese’s 2-1 win over Lazio on March 11, 2024.
According to Football Italia, Okoye received a yellow card in the 64th minute for time-wasting—a moment that triggered a flood of bets, mostly from the Udine region. Investigations revealed over €120,000 in winnings placed at odds of 8/1, prompting a deep probe. Okoye and three associates were subsequently referred to Italy’s disciplinary commission in June 2025.
Though he was initially at risk of facing a four-year ban for sporting fraud, the case was reduced to illegal betting. He was found guilty and issued the lesser punishment.
Okoye, who transferred to Udinese from Watford in 2023, has made key appearances for both club and country, with 18 international caps. Udinese is expected to rely on reserve goalkeeper Razvan Sava during his absence, rather than signing a new player.
The ban begins with Udinese’s Coppa Italia clash on August 18 and will see Okoye miss at least six Serie A matches. He is expected to return by October 19.
The case has sparked debate among fans and analysts, raising concerns about player conduct and integrity in professional football.
#MadukaOkoye #SerieABan #FootballScandal #SuperEagles #UdineseNews #IllegalBetting #NigerianPlayers #SportsNews