West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is currently under investigation by the Football Association (FA) for potential breaches of betting rules, according to sources. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but for now, his focus is on dealing with the investigation. Paqueta was left out of Brazil’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers to allow him time to resolve these issues.
It is believed that the investigation, which also involves World governing body FIFA, centers around bets placed in Brazil on yellow cards awarded against Paqueta. The player has denied placing any bets himself and expressed shock at the reports. The exact details of the alleged breaches and the potential consequences are yet to be revealed.
The FA and West Ham have not provided any comment on the matter so far. Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon last summer for a fee of £36.5 million and had a successful debut season, featuring in 28 Premier League matches and contributing four goals and three assists. He was also a key figure in West Ham’s victory in the Europa Conference League.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed the speculation surrounding Paqueta in a press conference, stating that the midfielder is currently a West Ham player and he would not comment on any potential transfers.
This investigation comes just a few months after Brentford forward Ivan Toney was suspended from football for eight months due to 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules. The FA takes betting breaches seriously to maintain the integrity and fairness of the game.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be for Paqueta. If found guilty of breaching betting rules, he could face disciplinary action and potential sanctions. Both the player and West Ham will be waiting for a resolution to this matter to determine how it will impact Paqueta’s future with the club and any potential transfer rumors involving Manchester City.
