Italian Serie A club, Udinese has removed Super Eagles of Nigerian goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye from their registered players list amid an investigation into alleged betting irregularities.
The 25-year-old is under scrutiny for suspicious betting activity related to a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio on March 11, 2024. The booking, issued for time-wasting in the 90th minute, raised alarms after betting agency Sisal’s algorithm flagged unusual gambling patterns. If found guilty, Okoye could face a five-year ban.
Investigators raided Okoye’s residence following a complaint by Sisal. Additionally, authorities searched the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner known for hosting Juventus players, as part of the ongoing probe.
Udinese has replaced Okoye in their 25-man squad with newly signed goalkeeper, Egil Selvik. While the club has not clarified whether this decision is linked to the allegations or Okoye’s season-ending wrist injury, the controversy has drawn significant attention.
Head coach Kosta Runjaic addressed the matter, stating, “We haven’t discussed it. Our focus is on Como. The team spirit remains strong, and we are working diligently.”
Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 from Watford, has made 37 appearances for the club. His legal representatives have strongly denied the allegations, labeling them baseless.
