The accusation by the English Football Federation (FA) against Lucas Paquetá was announced two weeks after the footballer’s inclusion in Brazil’s list for the 2024 Copa América and the friendly preparations. An expected call-up due to the level he showed this season at West Ham, which already earned him a start in the two games played this year by the Seleção against England and Spain.
The complaint for “intentionally receiving” yellow cards in four games “with the improper purpose of affecting the betting market” comes a few days after the team led by Dorival Júnior begins its concentration in the United States for the continental tournament. Starting on May 30, the players will arrive in Orlando, Florida, to make themselves available to the coach.
READ MORE
++ How long can Lucas Paquetá be banned from playing if involvement in betting is proven?
++ Video: Paquetá’s performance in the matches for which he is accused with misconduct
++ FA charges Lucas Paquetá with betting violations
Although there has not yet been an official announcement, the evaluation at the moment of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is that the midfielder remains in the squad. The player has already denied the accusations on social networks and stated that he always collaborated with the ongoing investigation.
The record also shows that a possible sanction, if found guilty, will not be announced soon. The 26-year-old footballer has until June 3 to present his defense and the process will continue with an independent commission that will review the evidence and listen to the parties.
NOSSAS ESTRELAS DA NOITE! ⭐️🇧🇷
Que frieza de Rodrygo, Endrick e Paqueta para balançar as redes e fazer a diferença para a Seleção Brasileira! ⚽️🎯
📸: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF#BRAxESP #UmaSóPele pic.twitter.com/AjT5jGFg2A
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 26, 2024
The ruling of this commission could even be appealed, first in England, and then internationally. The case could thus reach the FIFA Disciplinary Committee first, and then to the last instance, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (known as the CAS).
This implies that there will be no firm decision in the short term. That is, the case will continue to be evaluated long after the end of the Copa América 2024 on July 14.
Diniz left out Paquetá last year
The investigation that Paquetá faces already left him out of the first matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers last year. The then coach, Fernando Diniz, decided not to include him in the list to face Bolivia and Peru with the aim of “preserving him.” , in his words.
His successor, Dorival Júnior, called up the midfielder again. Paquetá started in the 1-0 victory against England at Wembley, as well as in the 3-3 draw against Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu, a duel in which he converted a penalty at the end of added time.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
