Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban from football after being found guilty of illegal betting. The 25-year-old Nigerian international was investigated along with three friends over suspicious bets worth ₦214 million (around €120,000) placed on his matches.
The investigation began after Okoye’s match against Lazio on March 11, 2024, where he was shown a yellow card in the 64th minute for time-wasting. Betting authorities noticed a large number of unusual bets placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card, which led to significant winnings. Most of these bets came from areas near Udine, raising suspicions and prompting further investigation.
In June 2025, the case was sent to the disciplinary commission, and Okoye was found guilty of illegal betting. Although he faced the possibility of a four-year ban for sporting fraud, the final decision resulted in a lighter punishment of a two-month suspension.
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Okoye’s suspension will begin on August 18, 2025, when Udinese plays Carrarese in the Coppa Italia. He will miss the first six matches of the new Serie A season but will be eligible to return to football on October 19, 2025.
This ruling brings an end to the investigation, but it has left a mark on Okoye’s reputation, especially as he looks forward to an important season with both club and country. Okoye joined Udinese in 2023 after leaving Watford and has made 18 appearances for the Super Eagles.
The ban is a significant setback for Okoye, who has been in outstanding form for Udinese. Just recently, he earned a spot in Serie A’s Team of the Week following his impressive performance against Atalanta. Despite this achievement, the ban will undoubtedly impact his playing time and opportunities.
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Maduka Okoye (Keeper) has 3 years and €2,700,000 Estimated Gross Salary remaining on his contract with Udinese (Serie A), expiring on Jun 30, 2028. Maduka Okoye, who is 25 years old, will earn an Estimated Base Salary of €900,000 for the 2025-2026 Season, or €17,308 gross per week, excluding bonuses.
Maduka Okoye (Getty Images)
With the ban lasting for only two months, the Udinese star will hope to comeback on time to boost his chances of being in Eric Chelle’s AFCON 2024 squad.
The 2024 AFCON will begin on Sunday, December 21, 2025 and end with the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The 2025 tournament was initially slated to take place in June and July, 2025.
