Nigeria and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, currently sidelined with a wrist injury, is facing allegations of involvement in a betting scandal that has sent shockwaves through Italian football.
The Udine Prosecutor’s Office is investigating claims that the Nigerian international bet on his own yellow card during a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.
The incident under scrutiny occurred in the 64th minute of the match when Okoye was booked for time-wasting during a goal kick. While this type of booking is often routine, investigators suspect it may have been part of a deliberate scheme.
Prosecutors allege that Okoye intentionally sought the booking to profit from a bet placed on that specific outcome, an accusation that carries serious implications. Adding further intrigue, Diego Giordano, the owner of the popular Biffi Pizzeria in Udine, has also been implicated. The restaurant is known as a gathering spot for Udinese players and staff.
The alleged activity was flagged by Sisal, one of Italy’s largest betting companies, through an algorithm designed to identify suspicious betting patterns. Investigators believe a verbal agreement may have been made at the restaurant before being formalized at a Sisal betting point in the city, just days before the Lazio match.
This scandal casts a dark shadow over what had been a standout season for Okoye. Since joining Udinese on a four-year deal, the 24-year-old had garnered praise for his performances, making 25 saves, including 16 from shots inside the penalty area – the highest in Serie A at the time.
However, the investigation has stalled his rise, bringing intense scrutiny to his professional integrity and personal life.In addition to the betting scandal, Okoye has faced recent challenges in his personal life. Reports surfaced about his breakup with his fiancée and allegations that he locked his girlfriend and two-year-old child out of their home.
As the investigation unfolds, Okoye’s future at Udinese and in professional football hangs in the balance. Both the club and Serie A authorities have yet to comment publicly on the situation.
