Lucas Paqueta WITHDRAWN from Brazil squad as West Ham star 'investigated over alleged betting breaches' | The Sun
LUCAS PAQUETA has been withdrawn from the Brazil national squad following news of an FA investigation into the West Ham man over alleged betting breaches.
Brazil boss Fernando Diniz has made the decision to remove Paqueta from his squad ahead of the Selecao's upcoming international fixtures.
Interim head coach Diniz had originally called the 25-year-old up to the squad, but has since reversed his decision as he looks to "protect" him.
Speaking to Globo Esporte about the change of heart, he said: "I'm a guy who… what protects me my whole life is the truth. Paqueta was on the list.
"He's a player I like a lot. It's a question of preservation, letting him resolve these issues, which go beyond the game.
"Make him more comfortable to resolve. We had these problems here in Brazil, this needs the time factor for things to clear up. He's a player I adore, even though we've never worked together.
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"The CBF will have its doors open to receive him as soon as he positively resolves these issues we had at the last minute."
Paqueta was on the brink of a move to treble winners Manchester City, but has seen the deal break down.
The Cityzens had put in a £70million offer, however they are now said to be waiting to see the result of the probe.
According to reports from Paqueta's home country,the FA's investigation is believed to be surrounding wagers placed in Brazil on his booking in West Ham's home match against Aston Villa in March.
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Globo says that people who are close with the playmaker opened up betting accounts with Hammers sponsor Betway in order to place bets on him being booked during the match.
It is reported by Globo that the "maximum" amount allowed was deposited into the accounts opened in Brazil.
Paqueta was on the receiving end of a yellow card in the second half of the match.
The player himself, who is available to play against Chelsea on Sunday if David Moyes chooses to pick him, is understood to be shocked by the revelations.
The attacking midfielder joined The Hammers last summer in a club record £51.4million deal from French outfit Lyon.
He made 28 Premier League appearances for the East London club last season, netting four times and registering a further three assists.
There has been other recent betting probes into Premier League footballers that have resulted in lengthy bans.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for breaching 232 of the FA's betting rules.
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