Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has received a two-month suspension after being found guilty of breaching Italy’s betting regulations, following an investigation into suspicious activity surrounding Udinese’s Serie A win over Lazio on March 11, 2024.
Italian football authorities opened a probe after a surge in betting was flagged around the moment Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute. The bets—placed at 8/1 odds—were largely concentrated in the province of Udine and allegedly resulted in winnings exceeding €120,000.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper was investigated alongside three acquaintances. In June 2025, the case was referred to Italy’s disciplinary commission. While Okoye initially faced the risk of a four-year ban for alleged sporting fraud, officials opted for a reduced charge of illegal betting, sparing him a lengthier suspension.
Okoye’s ban is set to begin on August 18, 2025, the date Udinese is scheduled to face Carrarese in the Coppa Italia. The ban means the Super Eagles goalkeeper will miss six Serie A matches and is projected to return to action on October 19.
A report by Italian outlet Football Italia confirmed the disciplinary outcome on Tuesday. The incident has once again drawn attention to betting-related issues in European football and their growing implications for player conduct and match integrity.
Okoye, who joined Udinese from Watford in 2023, has earned 18 caps for Nigeria. His absence is expected to impact Udinese’s early-season fixtures, with the club likely to turn to backup options in goal during the suspension period.