Nigeria international Maduka Okoye could face a ban of up to four years amid allegations of sporting fraud related to suspicious betting activity during a Serie A match last year, Footynaija.com reports.
Italian authorities are investigating the 25-year-old Udinese goalkeeper after he was booked in the 64th minute for time-wasting during a 2-1 win over Lazio on 11 March 2024.
The yellow card — issued by referee Gianluca Aureliano — has come under scrutiny following a surge in betting patterns specifically predicting Okoye would be cautioned.
According to Corriere dello Sport, bets placed on Okoye to receive a yellow card at odds of 8/1 led to winnings of more than €120,000, most of which reportedly came from fixed betting terminals in the Udine region.
Investigators suspect a link between Okoye and one of the bettors — allegedly a close acquaintance who runs a local pizzeria. Italian police have confirmed that Okoye and three others are now being investigated by the Udine Police Headquarters for sporting fraud — a charge considered more severe than standard betting offences.
“The Udinese goalkeeper has been reported by the federal prosecutor under Article 30, which covers attempts to alter a match for undue gain,” Italian media reports said.
Unlike betting violations, sporting fraud in Italy cannot be resolved through settlements. A guilty verdict would trigger a mandatory suspension.
Okoye, who joined Udinese from Watford in 2023, has made 48 appearances for the club and holds 18 caps for Nigeria.