Udinese’s goalkeeper Maduka Okeye is under investigation for allegedly intentionally getting a yellow card in a Serie A game. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Udinese Calcio goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is under investigation over a yellow card he received during a Serie A match in March 2024 against Lazio. The incident came to light after Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency was tipped off about suspicious betting activity by leading Italian sportsbook operator Snai.

The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office took over the case last week. The goal is to determine if the four people the authorities have identified partook in betting-related fraud.

he got a yellow card for delaying the game

Okoye, who plays for the Nigerian national team, was in goal for Udinese in the match in question when he got a yellow card for delaying the game. The timing of the card triggered suspicion as the sportsbook operator noticed other simultaneous red flags from betting activity.

The 25-year-old reportedly handed over his phone to investigators and could face a five-year ban from the sport in Italy if found guilty.

The authorities are looking at several other individuals, including the owner of a local pizzeria that is popular with local soccer players, a prominent businessman, and a manager of a Snai retail sportsbook.

Okoye is the latest in a string of players in hot water over suspicious yellow cards. Only last week, police in Spain detained Sevilla FC player Kike Salas for similar reasons.