Udinese has released a statement expressing unwavering support for their goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, following a recent ruling. Okoye was handed a two-month suspension due to betting irregularities, though he was crucially cleared of more severe charges of sporting fraud.
The shot-stopper had faced the significant possibility of a four-year ban if the serious accusation of sporting fraud had been upheld. However, the FIGC Federal Tribunal today dismissed those charges, instead imposing a less severe two-month ban for a different, lesser offense.
Okoye had been investigated regarding an alleged intentional yellow card during the Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024, following a notable surge of unusual betting activity concerning that specific outcome.
Udinese Pleased Okoye Cleared of Match-Fixing Accusations
In an official statement, Udinese declared: “The Federal Tribunal of the FIGC has today dismissed any involvement of the player Maduka Okoye in sporting fraud, fully endorsing the arguments presented by his legal team.”
The statement continued: “All allegations of alleged sporting fraud were rejected by the courts. The decision to impose a two-month ban relates exclusively to a violation of the general principle of fairness (Article 4 of the Sporting Judicial Code).”
Udinese added: “The club is satisfied that the athlete has been completely exonerated from the damaging accusations of match-fixing. The club unequivocally reiterates its full support for Okoye, who is currently awaiting the detailed reasoning for the sentence.”
“Udinese reaffirms our absolute confidence in Maduka’s proper conduct,” the statement concluded.
The two-month suspension will commence with Udinese`s first official game of the upcoming season, which is scheduled to be their Coppa Italia fixture against Carrarese on August 18. This means the Nigerian goalkeeper will be unavailable for six Serie A matches and is expected to return to action on October 18.
