Maduka Okoye Banned for Two Months Over Match-Fixing Incident
Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been slapped with a two-month suspension following a shocking match-fixing scandal in Italy.
🟡 According to reports, the Udinese goalkeeper deliberately picked up a yellow card during a Serie A clash against Lazio on March 11, 2024, where Udinese were leading 2-1. Okoye was booked in the 64th minute for time-wasting.
➡️ Investigations revealed that the act was part of a scheme involving a friend, who placed a bet on the incident. The friend reportedly earned over €120,000, multiplying his stake by eight times thanks to Okoye’s intentional booking.
🛑 The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that Okoye’s suspension will take effect from August 18, ruling him out of the Coppa Italia tie against Carrarese and six Serie A matches up until October 19.
This revelation has triggered serious concerns around betting-related misconduct and the integrity of players in top-flight football.
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📌 Suspension Timeline:
🗓️ Start: August 18, 2025 (Coppa Italia vs Carrarese)
🗓️ End: October 19, 2025
🚫 Matches Missed: 6 Serie A fixtures
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Author: Zorama Peter Paul
