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Two additional suspects have been identified in the investigation by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office concerning a series of suspicious bets linked to the Lazio-Udinese match on March 11.
Alongside Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye and Diego Giordano, the owner of a pizzeria often frequented by footballers, the new suspects include a local citizen who owns a Snai betting center in Udine and a building contractor.
The inquiry originated from a report by Sisal, which noted an unusual flow of bets regarding a yellow card issued to goalkeeper Okoye during the Lazio-Udinese match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Udinese. Okoye received a yellow card in the 19th minute of the second half for time-wasting—a common occurrence for a goalkeeper on a leading team, especially for Udinese, who was considered the underdog against Biancocelesti at the Olimpico.
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However, Sisal’s algorithm detected an excessive number of bets placed on that specific yellow card, prompting the launch of the investigation. According to Il Messaggero Veneto, authorities are reconstructing the relationship between Okoye and entrepreneur Giordano.
Authorities conducted searches and examined cell phones in search of evidence pointing to a possible agreement and a network of contacts. Okoye and the accused now face charges of fraud. The Nigerian goalkeeper risks a ban of up to four years from football as a result.
