Udinese and Nigeria international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension for involvement in illegal betting activities in Italy.
There were initial fears that Okoye could face a ban of up to four years had he been found guilty of sporting fraud. However, the Italian football authorities ultimately ruled in favor of a lesser charge, convicting the 25-year-old of illegal betting instead.
The case stemmed from suspicions surrounding Okoye’s conduct during Udinese’s Serie A fixture against Lazio on March 11, 2024. He was alleged to have intentionally received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute, prompting an investigation.
As a result of the suspension, Okoye will miss a total of eight competitive matches — one Coppa Italia fixture and seven Serie A games. He will be eligible to return to action on October 19.
