Maduka Okoye Removed from Udinese Amid Betting Scandal

Udinese have officially removed Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from their registered players list amid an ongoing investigation into alleged betting irregularities. The 25-year-old Super Eagles shot-stopper is being scrutinised following suspicious betting patterns linked to a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio on March 11, 2024.

The yellow card, given for time-wasting in the 90th minute, has raised concerns after a betting agency, Sisal, flagged unusual gambling activities surrounding the incident. Sisal’s algorithm reportedly detected irregularities, leading to a complaint that prompted investigators to raid Okoye’s residence.

As part of the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office in Udine also conducted a search of the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner known to be a regular haunt for Juventus players.

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In response to the situation, Udinese has replaced Okoye in their 25-man squad with newly-signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik. However, it remains unclear whether this decision was a direct result of the betting allegations or due to Okoye’s season-ending wrist injury.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Udinese’s head coach, Kosta Runjaic, maintained that the team’s atmosphere remains positive. “We haven’t talked about it; we’re focused on Como. The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently,” Runjaic stated.

Okoye, who transferred to Udinese from Watford in 2023, has made 37 appearances for the Italian Serie A club. His legal team has vehemently denied the betting allegations, describing them as baseless. Okoye faces a potential five-year ban if the allegations are proven true.