Udine, July 23, 2025 – Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension by Italian football authorities after being found guilty of illegal betting, following an investigation into suspicious activity during a Serie A match earlier this year.
As reported by Football Italia, the disciplinary action stems from Udinese’s 2-1 win over Lazio on 11 March 2024, during which Okoye was booked in the 64th minute for time-wasting. The incident drew attention after a spike in betting activity specifically targeting the likelihood of Okoye receiving a yellow card.
Authorities flagged the unusually high number of bets — most notably from the Udine region — placed at odds of 8/1 on Okoye to be booked. These wagers reportedly netted over €120,000 in total winnings, prompting a formal investigation.
The 24-year-old was subsequently placed under scrutiny along with three alleged associates, with the case referred to Italy’s disciplinary commission in June 2025. While Okoye initially faced the prospect of a four-year ban under sporting fraud regulations, the commission instead found him guilty of a lesser offence — illegal betting.
His suspension is set to begin on 18 August 2025, ruling him out of Udinese’s Coppa Italia fixture against Carrarese and the club’s opening six Serie A matches. He will be eligible to return on 19 October.
Okoye, who joined Udinese from English Championship side Watford in 2023, has earned 18 international caps for Nigeria. While the verdict spares him a much longer absence, the incident casts a shadow over his professional conduct and comes as a blow to Udinese’s early-season preparations.