Premier League
Lucas Paquetá Stays In Brazil Squad For Copa América Amid Betting Allegations
Despite being charged by the English FA for alleged breaches of betting rules, West Ham United midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, will continue to stay with the Copa America squad, according to the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) on Thursday.
Before confirming their decision to retain Paqueta in Dorival Junior’s Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States next month, the CBF disclosed that discussions had taken place with the English FA. This choice comes ahead of the continental tournament scheduled from June 20th to July 14.
“Given the facts reported by the English Federation, the CBF, supported by the joint opinion from the Legal and Governance and Compliance Directorates and the Integrity Unit, has decided to maintain the player’s call-up,” the CBF said in a statement signed by president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Last week, the FA charged Lucas Paqueta with intentionally trying to receive a booking in four Premier League matches in 2022 and 2023. Paqueta has denied any misconduct and has until June 3rd to address the allegations.
“Based on the information provided by the FA, it is categorically concluded that the player Lucas Paqueta, despite the behavior for which he was accused of authorizing preventive removal (from the squad)… has not been penalized to date by the prosecuting body authorized to sanction him,” the CBF added.
“It is right to say that the player is free to perform his professional job until the present moment, the source of his livelihood and that of his family, in a full and unrestricted manner, whether for his club or his country’s national team.”
