Maduka Okoye is set to make his return to competitive football just days after completing a two-month suspension handed down by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Okoye, 26, was sidelined following an investigation into suspicious betting activity during a match two seasons ago.
With his ban now lifted, Okoye is poised to reclaim his spot between the posts and put the ordeal behind him.
The suspension stemmed from Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio in March 2024, when Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute.
The incident triggered an unusually high volume of bets—worth over €120,000, mostly from the Udine area—placed on Okoye being booked, at odds of 8/1.
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The FIGC launched an investigation into Okoye and three associates, raising concerns of potential match-fixing, which could have carried a four-year ban.
However, in July 2025, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal cleared Okoye of all match-fixing and sporting fraud charges
But, he was slapped with a two-month suspension for violating “the general principle of fair play” under Article 4 of the Federal Sports Justice Code.
The ban, effective from August 18 to October 19, 2025, forced Okoye to miss Udinese’s Coppa Italia opener against Carrarese and six Serie A matches.
Okoye also sat out Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September and October.
Despite the setback, Udinese stood firmly behind their goalkeeper. The club issued a statement in July expressing “full confidence” in Okoye.
Udinese also highlighted the tribunal’s dismissal of the more serious allegations.
As Okoye prepares to return, Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaić is expected to reinstate him into the squad.
His return is a timely boost for Udinese, who have struggled defensively
Okoye has remained silent on the matter publicly, but sources close to the player indicate he is determined to move past the controversy.
With no further appeals or investigations reported, allowing Okoye to shift his attention to reclaiming his form and helping Udinese climb the Serie A table.
The Bianconeri will travel to Cremona to face Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on Monday.
