Tremendous Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been faraway from Udinese’s squad record for the rest of the Serie A season, because the 25-year-old finds himself embroiled in a betting scandal.
The Nigeria worldwide is beneath investigation for allegedly receiving a yellow card deliberately throughout Udinese’s 2-1 win over Lazio on March 11, 2024.
Within the ninetieth minute of that match, Okoye was booked for time-wasting—a seemingly routine incident. Nonetheless, investigators flagged irregular betting patterns tied to the yellow card, elevating suspicions of foul play.
A criticism from betting company Sisal, which used an algorithm to detect anomalies, prompted an investigation by the prosecutor’s workplace in Udine. Authorities have since raided the 25-year-old’s residence, in addition to that of one other suspect, Diego Giordano, a pizzeria proprietor linked to a number of footballers.
Udinese act swiftly over Okoye controversy
In response to the allegations, Udinese have up to date their 25-man squad record, changing Okoye with Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik.
Whereas the membership haven’t formally linked the exclusion to the betting investigation, the injured goalkeeper can also be recovering from wrist surgical procedure, which is predicted to maintain him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Serie A laws permit goalkeepers to get replaced on the record at any level within the season. Nonetheless, as soon as the switch window closes, neither Okoye nor Selvik will be listed concurrently, indicating Udinese could also be planning for a long-term absence.
If discovered responsible, Okoye may face a five-year ban from soccer, a serious blow for the younger goalkeeper. The investigation stays ongoing, leaving the Tremendous Eagles shot-stopper in a precarious place each legally and professionally.
