Milan, January 17 (LaPresse) – Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is reportedly under investigation by the Udine Prosecutor's Office for illegal betting. According to the Messaggero Veneto this morning, the 25-year-old German-born Nigerian player allegedly placed a bet on receiving a yellow card during a match in last season's championship.
Alongside Okoye, a 40-year-old entrepreneur, Diego Giordano, owner of a pizzeria frequently visited by Udinese players, is also under investigation. The charges against the two are fraud.
The investigation was triggered by a report from Sisal, which, through its algorithm, detected an unusual betting pattern on the Lazio-Udinese match on March 11, 2024. In that game, Okoye was booked for time-wasting midway through the second half.
"My client is calm; we will provide all necessary clarifications at the appropriate time. The matter is quite delicate," said Okoye's lawyer, Maurizio Conti, to the Veneto newspaper.
Okoye now faces the possibility of being investigated by sporting authorities as well, with a potential suspension of up to four years.
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