Udine: Udinese have announced that their Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been cleared of match-fixing by an Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) tribunal, although he has been handed a two-month ban for breaching the principle of ‘fairness’.

According to Ansa News Agency, the case revolved around a yellow card the 25-year-old goalkeeper received for time-wasting during the second half of Udinese’s 2-1 victory against Lazio in Rome in March 2024. The incident came under scrutiny after it was discovered that an acquaintance of Okoye had placed a bet on him receiving a booking during the match.

Okoye faced the possibility of a four-year ban had he been found guilty of match-fixing. The tribunal’s decision to clear him of such allegations comes as a relief to both the player and Udinese, though the two-month ban serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fairness in the sport.