Udinese and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been suspended for two months by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after being found guilty of sporting misconduct in a betting-related scandal. The 24-year-old shot-stopper was investigated for allegedly seeking a deliberate yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A match against Lazio in the 2023/2024 season, an incident linked to suspicious betting patterns.
The FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal confirmed the ban on Tuesday, stating that Okoye intentionally committed an act to influence betting outcomes. The disciplinary ruling means he will miss the first six competitive matches of the 2025/2026 season, including Udinese’s Coppa Italia opener against Carrarese on August 18 and their first five Serie A fixtures. He will only be eligible to return on October 19 when Udinese face Cremonese.
The case has reignited concerns over player integrity and the influence of illegal betting in football. Okoye, once Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in recent years. This suspension further complicates his chances of reclaiming a starting role for both Udinese and the Super Eagles.
The FIGC’s statement read: “The National Federal Tribunal imposes on Mr. Emil Maduka Okoye the sanction of two months of disqualification in official matches, starting from the beginning of the first official competition of the 2025/2026 sporting season.”
Okoye has yet to publicly respond to the ruling. The ban adds to a growing list of high-profile betting-related controversies in football, raising questions about stricter enforcement and player education on sports integrity.
With his career at a critical juncture, the Nigerian goalkeeper now faces an uphill battle to rebuild his reputation in European football. The suspension also casts doubt on his future with the national team as Nigeria prepares for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.