Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá concluded one of the most tense stages of his career on Monday (3). The trial on serious accusations of match-fixing has come to an end, but the West Ham player will still have to wait to find out his fate
According to the British newspaper The Sun, the hearing that analyzed the allegations against the 26-year-old athlete has ended. However, those responsible for the case did not set a deadline to announce the sentence, which could prolong the Brazilian’s anguish for weeks or even months.
Accusations put Lucas Paquetá’s career at risk
The Football Association (FA) has made serious allegations against Paquetá, claiming the midfielder was intentionally booked in four Premier League games to benefit punters.
The matches under investigation include clashes against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth. In addition, the FA alleges that the Brazilian would have shared privileged information with people interested in profiting from sports betting.
The case reached alarming proportions when evidence emerged that family members and acquaintances of the player had made specific bets. These people had allegedly bet that Paquetá would receive a yellow card at certain moments in the aforementioned matches.
Lucas Paquetá’s defense disputes the accusations
Throughout the process, Lucas Paquetá maintained a firm stance in denying the allegations. The Brazilian midfielder publicly declared his innocence and expressed confidence in his acquittal.
“I categorically deny these false allegations and am confident that I will be acquitted,” the player said in an official statement released by his lawyers.
The athlete’s legal team worked tirelessly to dismantle the FA’s accusations. The defenders presented technical arguments and evidence that, according to them, prove their client’s innocence.
The seriousness of the charges puts at stake not only Paquetá’s career in England, but his entire future in football. If found guilty, the Brazilian could face exemplary punishment, including a lifetime ban from the sport.
Consequently, the Brazilian national team coach would possibly call him up again, given that he has played an important role in recent years.
Impact on West Ham and the national team
While awaiting the verdict, Paquetá continues to train and play normally for West Ham. The London club has shown support for the athlete, but internally there is concern about the outcome of the case.
In the Brazilian national team, coach Dorival Júnior chose not to call up the midfielder in the latest lists. The decision reflects the delicate legal situation involving one of the main names in Brazilian football today.
The Paquetá case has become one of the most iconic cases involving betting in English football. Ultimately, the decision in the coming months could set important precedents for similar cases in the future.
