Maduka Okoye is being investigated for a flow of anomalous bets during Lazio’s home clash with fellow Serie A club, Udinese.
Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye risks being handed a five-year ban from football if found guilty of betting illegally.
The Nigerian international was involved in a betting scandal and could be banned for up to four years if found culpable.
Okoye is currently under watch for betting on his yellow card in a match against Lazio last March.
The 25-year-old is being investigated by the Udine Prosecutor’s Office for a flow of anomalous bets during Lazio’s home clash with Udinese.
The shot-stopper received a yellow card for time-wasting after 64 minutes of the encounter.
The match eventually ended 2-1 in favor of Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico.
Speaking on the saga, Dawaki Rangers FC captain, Idris Musa Adinoyi, said any player found guilty of illegal betting should dance to the tune of the music.
He said, “As a professional athlete, there are certain ethics expected to be upheld and the betting scandal is definitely not one of them.
“Any player or athlete found guilty of such fraud after a conclusive investigation should definitively be made to dance to the tune of the music he began playing.
“It is sad to learn about Maduka Okoye’s investigation but the law must take its course and if found guilty, I’d say he deserves whatever punishment.
“Unprofessional behaviors need to be cleansed thoroughly for the spirit of sportsmanship to shine brightly.”
Okoye is not the first player to be accused of betting illegally, the likes of Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli, Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier, Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge have all served bans after they were found guilty.
The regulations of the English FA and football generally are clear regarding players and illegal betting.
The rules strictly prohibit players from making bets for themselves or getting other people like family members and friends to make bet/bets on them.
It also stopped them from disclosing uncommon information to others for them to gain the upper hand.
