Okoye escapes 4-year ban! Udinese goalkeeper cleared of match-fixing allegations
Nigerian handed a two-month suspension for violating the general principle of fairness
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has emerged from a storm of controversy with his reputation intact, after Italy’s FIGC Federal Tribunal officially cleared him of match-fixing charges that once threatened to end his career.
The Nigerian international had faced the possibility of a four-year suspension over alleged sporting fraud tied to suspicious betting activity during a Serie A clash against Lazio in March 2024. The spotlight fell on a yellow card he received in the 64th minute for time-wasting—an incident flagged due to a surge in bets predicting the booking.
After months of investigation, the tribunal dismissed all claims of deliberate misconduct, ruling out any involvement in match manipulation. Instead, Okoye was handed a two-month suspension for violating the general principle of fairness under Article 4 of the Sporting Judicial Code—a significantly lesser offense.
The ban will begin with Udinese’s Coppa Italia opener against Carrarese on August 18, sidelining the shot-stopper for six Serie A matches. He is expected to return to action on October 18.
In a firm show of support, Udinese released a statement backing their goalkeeper:
‘The club is satisfied that the athlete has been totally cleared of the insulting allegations of match-fixing. Udinese reaffirm our full faith in the correct behaviour of Maduka.’
The verdict marks a dramatic turnaround in a case that once loomed over Okoye’s future. With his name cleared and his club standing firmly behind him, the Super Eagles star now looks ahead to a fresh chapter—and redemption between the posts.
