Why Udinese Dropped Nigerian Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye

Serie A club Udinese has removed Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from its registered players list as he faces an investigation into alleged betting irregularities.

The 25-year-old, Okoye is under scrutiny for suspicious betting activities tied to a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 victory against Lazio on March 11, 2024. Investigators believe the caution for time-wasting in the 90th minute may have been linked to unusual gambling patterns flagged by betting firm Sisal.

Following a formal complaint, authorities raided Okoye’s residence, searching for evidence to support the claims. The investigation also extended to Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner with ties to several Juventus players, as the Prosecutor’s Office in Udine widened its probe into potential match-fixing networks.

In response to the ongoing case, Udinese registered Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik to replace Okoye in their 25-man squad. Although the club cited Okoye’s season-ending wrist injury as a factor in the decision, the timing has fueled speculation about the scandal’s impact on his removal.

Kosta Runjaic, Udinese’s head coach, played down the controversy, insisting that team morale remained intact. “We haven’t discussed it internally; our focus is on the upcoming match against Como. The team spirit is still strong, and we are working diligently,” Runjaic told reporters.

Okoye, who faces a potential five-year ban from football if found guilty, has not yet issued a public statement on the allegations. Meanwhile, Udinese fans and the football community await further developments as the investigation unfolds.
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