West Ham star Lucas Paqueta reportedly withdrawn from Brazil squad after alleged betting breaches

Lucas Paqueta was dropped from the Brazil squad after allegations of betting violations || Imago

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta reportedly withdrawn from Brazil squad after alleged betting breaches

Stephen Oladehinde 14:18 - 20.08.2023

Lucas Paqueta is currently under investigation over several betting breaches according to recent reports.

The Brazilian was one of West Ham’s star players last season, having helped them win the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The West Ham star was closing in on a move to Man City but the deal was withdrawn due to the recent investigation concerning a betting breach.

According to recent reports, the West Ham player has reportedly been dropped from the Brazil national squad as a result of the FA looking into him for possible betting violations.

Paqueta in action for Brazil || Credit: The Sun
Paqueta in action for Brazil || Credit: The Sun

Paqueta dropped by Brazil's head coach

Fernando Diniz, the head coach of Brazil, has decided to drop Paqueta from the team ahead of Selecao's international matches.

The interim head coach had initially selected the West Ham star but has since changed his mind in an effort to "protect" him.

Speaking to Globo Esporte about the situation as reported by the Sun, he said, "I'm a guy who… what protects me my whole life is the truth. Paqueta was on the list. 

"He's a player I like a lot. It's a question of preservation, letting him resolve these issues, which go beyond the game. 

"Make him more comfortable to resolve. We had these problems here in Brazil, this needs the time factor for things to clear up. He's a player I adore, even though we've never worked together. 

"The CBF will have its doors open to receive him as soon as he positively resolves these issues we had at the last minute."

The FA's investigation is focused on bets put in Brazil on Paqueta's booking in West Ham's home game against Aston Villa in March, according to reports from his native country.

According to Globo, those close to the playmaker set up accounts with Hammers sponsor Betway to place bets on him receiving a booking during the game.

Lucas Paqueta, West Ham's midfielder || Credit: The Sun
Lucas Paqueta, West Ham's midfielder || Credit: The Sun

The "maximum" sum permitted, according to Globo, was deposited into accounts created in Brazil.

If found guilty by the FA, Paqueta will be banned and will join Ivan Toney, who is currently serving an eight-month ban for breaching the FA's betting rules.

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