The Udine Public Prosecutor`s Office is investigating the Udinese goalkeeper, Okoye, for fraud; it is believed he bet on himself receiving a yellow card. Now, the Federal Prosecutor`s Office has taken its first step.
The FIGC Federal Prosecutor`s Office, led by Giuseppe Chinè, formally referred Maduka Okoye today. The Udinese Nigerian goalkeeper is suspected of colluding with other bettors who wagered on him receiving a yellow card during the Lazio-Udinese match on March 11, 2024 (2023-2024 Serie A season), played at the Stadio Olimpico. The yellow card was indeed issued in the 18th minute of the second half. For these actions, Okoye is accused of sports misconduct and consequently faces a four-year ban.
The Udine Prosecutor`s Office investigation originated from an unusually high volume of specific bets placed on the goalkeeper receiving a yellow card. The investigation documents revealed a meeting between one of the key bettors (the owner of the “Biffi” restaurant, a place frequented by Udinese players) and Okoye himself, during which the potential yellow card against Lazio was allegedly discussed. The Prosecutor`s Office also considers it significant that Okoye was booked for time-wasting (even though Udinese was winning) with more than half of the second half still remaining. According to the Federal Prosecutor`s Office, these actions unequivocally aimed to alter the regular course of the game for sports betting purposes.
