West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has chosen to cooperate fully with the Football Association (FA) as part of their investigation into possible sports betting violations. The Brazilian player gave FA investigators unrestricted access to his phone.
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The FA has conducted a five-month secret investigation into Lucas Paqueta, who recently faced serious sports betting-related charges. The Brazilian authorities reacted by removing the talented playmaker from the national team, causing incomprehension among Brazilian fans.
Coach Fernando Diniz, therefore had to face the deprivation of Paqueta during the international matches of August and October, which aroused his impatience. However, despite the FA’s ongoing investigation, sources close to the matter say Diniz is considering recommending Paqueta’s recall for the upcoming clashes against Colombia and Argentina.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta 'grants FA access to his phone' as part of investigation into potential betting breaches https://t.co/6HDb7ls2pk https://t.co/6HDb7ls2pk
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) October 25, 2023
An unexpected boost
Lucas Paqueta’s decision to allow the FA access to his phone marks a significant turning point in the investigation. FA investigators now have access to his messages and telephone activity, key elements to support their case and determine whether breaches of sports betting rules were committed.
Neymar’s anterior cruciate ligament injury would have reinforced Fernando Diniz’s desire to have Lucas Paqueta in his squad next month, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.
The Brazilian international could therefore soon return to the field, but the outcome of the FA’s investigation still remains uncertain.
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