This off-season break is atypical for Lucas Paquetá and not only because of his participation with Brazil in the 2024 Copa América. The West Ham player faces the uncertainty of what will happen with the investigation into alleged breaches related to sports betting.
The English Football Association (FA) accuses him of deliberately receiving a yellow card in four matches between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence the betting market. If found guilty, he could receive a sanction that would practically end his career, although the process is long and a final decision is not expected in the short term.
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According to the British newspaper The Times, the resolution will not come before the end of the upcoming season. Citing sources close to the investigation, it even mentions that it would be extended further due to the complexity of the case, which could require gathering information and witnesses in England, Spain and Brazil.
The 26-year-old midfielder can play until the disciplinary process is concluded, so he could be available for the entire campaign under the orders of his new coach, Julen Lopetegui. Both the Spaniard and the London club publicly supported the player.
Paquetá’s defense received an extension to respond to the FA’s accusations. The case could even reach international instances such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and FIFA until a final resolution is reached.
In the meantime, Flamengo showed interest in negotiating the player’s return, although that option faded due to West Ham’s refusal to release their player, for whom they invested €60 million two years ago. Likewise, a possible move to Brazil would not end or directly influence the investigation.
