By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye risk a ban from all competitions for up to four years due to illegal betting practices.
The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the allegation.
According to Gazetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal reported unusual gambling patterns detected by its algorithms, as people placed an abnormal amount of bets on the likelihood of Okoye being booked during Udinese’s away clash at Lazio in March of 2024.
The goalkeeper received a yellow card for time-wasting after 64 minutes.
Public prosecutor are also looking at the role of Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old owner of the Biffi pizzeria in Udine in the case.
If found guilty, the Nigeria international could face a ban from all competitions for at least four years, in addition to potential legal consequences.
However, the player’s legal representatives have denied all allegations, claiming that the accusations are unfounded and lack any substantial evidence.
The 25-year-old is currently recuperating from a wrist injury.
