Latest news with #UdineseCalcio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Udinese keeper Okoye banned for two months after match-fixing probe
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who had been accused of match-fixing, has been cleared of all charges but given a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), the Serie A club said. The FIGC National Federal Court, which met on Tuesday to discuss the charge against Nigerian Okoye, "has excluded any involvement of the player in sports offences, after accepting the arguments of his lawyers", Udinese said in a statement. "During the trial, all charges of alleged sporting misconduct were dropped, and the decision to impose a two-month ban was based solely on a violation of the general principle of fairness (Article 4 of the Federal Sports Justice Code). "The club has stated that it is satisfied with the court's conclusion that the player was not involved in the infamous match-fixing theory. The club wishes to reiterate its full support for Okoye, who is awaiting the reasons for the decision. Udinese Calcio reasserts that it is firmly convinced of Maduka's proper conduct." The 25-year-old Nigerian international was alleged to have deliberately collected a booking during his team's Italian league match against Lazio in March 2024. The German-born goalkeeper received a yellow card for time-wasting, after an alleged deal reached with a friend who won 120,000 euros ($140,000) as a result of a bet. The FIGC investigation established that there was no intention to fix the match, which would have been punishable by a four-year fine. However Okoye, who has been with Udinese since 2023, will be suspended from August 18 to October 19. He will therefore miss seven of his team's matches -- six in the league and one in the Coppa Italia. jr/ea/nr/mw
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maduka Okoye handed two-month suspension for match-fixing
The Nigerian Udinese goalkeeper is punished for deliberately earning a yellow card during a match. Maduka Okoye Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, for his involvement in a match-fixing betting scandal. The Nigerian goalkeeper for Udinese Calcio was found guilty of deliberately earning a yellow card during a match against Lazio as part of a rigged betting scheme. The 25-year-old player was suspended for two months by the Italian federal court following an investigation into cheating in a Serie A match. On March 11, 2024, during an away game at Lazio, Maduka Okoye received a yellow card in the 64th minute for time-wasting. While the incident appeared routine, it triggered an inquiry after an abnormal spike in bets specifically targeting that booking. Investigators discovered that a close friend of Okoye, who owns a pizzeria in Udine, wagered on the yellow card and pocketed over 120,000 euros. The case was prosecuted by the federal prosecutor's office, which established that Maduka Okoye and his associates had an arrangement to influence the course of the match. Initially facing a possible four-year ban, the goalkeeper ultimately received a two-month suspension, starting from the first official match of the 2025-2026 season. He will be eligible to return to action from October 19.


CNA
18-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Italy striker Lucca joins Napoli on loan from Udinese
Udinese striker and Italy international Lorenzo Lucca has joined Napoli on loan for the season, both Serie A clubs said on Friday. Napoli, who won their second Serie A title in three years last season, also have an obligation to buy the 24-year-old for a fee of 35 million euros ($40.72 million) including add-ons, a Sky Sports Italia report said. ($1 = 0.8595 euros)
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thanks, Lorenzo
Lucca moves to Napoli Udinese Calcio has announced that the club has sold Lorenzo Lucca to Napoli. The striker is joining the Serie A champions on loan with an obligation to buy, upon meeting certain conditions. Lucca leaves Udinese after making 75 appearances, scoring 23 goals. He has developed into one of the best strikers in Serie A, which has seen him earn a permanent spot in the Italian national team's squads over the last year. This important and prestigious milestone was achieved thanks to his experience in Udine. We would like to thank Lorenzo for his dedication and professionalism and wish him the best for his future career. Thank you, Lorenzo.


Reuters
18-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Italy striker Lucca joins Napoli on loan from Udinese
July 18 (Reuters) - Udinese striker and Italy international Lorenzo Lucca has joined Napoli on loan for the season, both Serie A clubs said on Friday. Napoli, who won their second Serie A title in three years last season, also have an obligation to buy the 24-year-old for a fee of 35 million euros ($40.72 million) including add-ons, a Sky Sports Italia report said. ($1 = 0.8595 euros)