Udinese and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following his alleged involvement in a high-profile betting scandal.
The disciplinary action stems from investigations into suspicious betting activities linked to a Serie A match against Lazio during the 2023/2024 season. According to reports, Okoye was found to have violated professional conduct rules regarding players’ involvement in betting, though no criminal charges have been filed as of now.
The FIGC’s disciplinary committee stated that while Okoye’s involvement did not alter the outcome of the game, his actions were “incompatible with the integrity expected of professional athletes.”
The 24-year-old goalkeeper will be ineligible to play until late September, dealing a blow to both Udinese’s pre-season plans and Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the upcoming international fixtures.
Neither Okoye nor his representatives have issued an official statement, but sources close to the player say he plans to appeal the decision.
This development adds to the growing scrutiny over betting practices in European football, with several other players and officials under investigation across Italy.
