- Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic emphasizes positive team atmosphere despite betting scandal.
- Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye under investigation for suspicious betting related to yellow card.
- Team prepares for Monday night’s clash against Como amid ongoing investigation.
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic has stated that the club’s atmosphere remains positive despite the ongoing betting scandal involving Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, as they prepare for Monday night’s match against Como at Sinigaglia.
Okoye, 25, is currently under investigation by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office due to suspicious betting activity linked to a yellow card he received during a Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Osinbajo Speaks on Quitting Politics
- AfDB to Collaborate LAMATA on Development of Lagos 60km Purple Rail Line
- LIRS Sets Deadline for Annual Tax Returns Filing by Employers
“We haven’t talked about it; we’re focused on Como,” Runjaic said.
“I’m very present in the locker room; maybe the lads talked about it among themselves, but I can’t know that. I’m the coach and I like to talk about formations, football, tactics. The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently and with intensity.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that betting agency Sisal flagged unusual gambling patterns, with an unusually high number of wagers placed on Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye receiving a yellow card during a Serie A match against Lazio. Okoye was booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute of Udinese’s 2-1 win.
The investigation, which also involves 40-year-old pizzeria owner Diego Giordano from Udine, began after investigators claimed a verbal agreement was made at Giordano’s Biffi pizzeria, followed by bets placed at a Sisal outlet just days before the match.
FURTHER READING
- US Supreme Court Orders TikTok Ban Starting Sunday
- TikTok Ban: Biden Says Trump Will Decide App’s Future
- ‘America Isn’t It Anymore’ – Rapper DDG Considers Relocating to Lagos Amid LA Wildfires
If found guilty under Article 24 of the Italian Code of Sports Justice—prohibiting footballers from gambling on official matches—Okoye could face a ban of seven months to four years. However, Okoye’s legal team has denied the accusations, calling them unfounded and lacking in evidence.
The investigation adds to the challenges for Okoye, who is currently recovering from wrist surgery. In his absence, Udinese have signed Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik as cover. Since joining Udinese in 2023, Okoye had become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper with 37 appearances before his injury.
