Following his alleged betting violations charge, Lucas Paqueta has been cleared by the Brazil football body (CBF) to participate in the 2024 Copa America.
The CBF said that it sent a letter to the English Football Association (FA) asking for clarification on several matters pertaining to Paqueta’s case, such as whether or not a decision is anticipated before the Copa America is over and whether or not the FA has applied to FIFA for a global extension of any potential sanctions.
The CBF came to the conclusion that it could not forbid the West Ham United midfielder from playing for the national team because he is not temporarily suspended from playing for his club or country and there is no estimated date for a final decision on the matter, citing correspondence with the FA’s director of integrity, Tarik Shamel.
Paqueta, who disputes the accusations, has until June 3 to reply. The CBF claims that the FA advised them that, given the specifics of the case, they expect to be asked for an extension to address the complaints.
Four questions about Paqueta’s case were posed by CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues in a statement he wrote to the FA’s CEO, Mark Bullingham: Has the FA adopted any provisional measures against him? Has the FA requested any interim measures from the relevant judicial bodies? When is the disciplinary committee expected to hear the FA’s charges and is a decision expected before July 14? Has the FA submitted to FIFA any request for the worldwide extension of any sanctions that may be imposed?
The CBF stated the FA “had not received any provisional suspension order against Lucas Paqueta and therefore there is no impediment to him continuing to play at this time”.
According to a CBF statement, “In summary, based on the information provided by the FA, it is categorically concluded that the player Lucas Paqueta has not been sanctioned or punished by the processing entity thus far for the conduct for which he was reported, thereby authorizing preventive removal, as provided for in E16.1 of the FA regulations.”
“And, so to speak, it is right to say that the athlete is free to exercise his professional role until the present moment, the source of his livelihood and that of his family, in a full and unrestricted manner, whether through his club or through the selection of his team or country of origin.
“In view of the facts reported by the English Federation, the CBF, supported by the opinion prepared jointly by the legal, governance, and compliance directorates and the integrity unit, decides to maintain the player’s call-up.”
On May 23, the FA (FA) accused Paqueta of misbehavior regarding purported bet violations.
The 26-year-old was charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in connection with his behavior during West Ham’s Premier League matches against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023. The FA initiated an investigation into the player last August.
The FA said that Paqueta “sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting”.
In addition, Paqueta faces two charges of violating FA Rule F3.“in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”.
Paqueta said on social media: “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing further comment.”
On May 10, Paqueta—who has 44 caps for Brazil—was included in their preliminary Copa America roster.
June 9 and June 13 are Brazil’s two friendly versus Mexico and the USMNT, respectively.On June 24, they take on Costa Rica in the Copa America tournament. Four days later, they play Paraguay, and on July 2, they play Colombia to round off their group stage.
Why is Paqueta so important to Brazil?
Analysis from The Athletic’s Thom Harris
Brazil, who are a naturally stylish and elegant team, are in a unique position ahead of this summer’s Copa America; nevertheless, in order to stop a pre-tournament decline, they have turned to experience and pragmatism on the sidelines.
Lucas Paqueta fills the void in that regard. Brazilian midfield’s main attraction, but one who also contributes toughness and defensive determination off the ball.
Bruno Guimaraes in a No. 6 role should allow Paqueta to push forward on the left of a midfield three, where his daring attacking style will see him act as the vital link between the front three and deep-lying playmakers.
During Brazil’s 1-0 victory over England at Wembley, he displayed his skill with numerous flicks and tricks as he dribbled into hazardous areas of space and clipped pass after pass over the top for dangerous wingers to run on.
He contested 17 ground duels and committed six fouls in that game, demonstrating his ingenuity without abandoning his defensive zeal. For that reason, he is probably one of the first names on Dorival Jr.’s roster.
(Manu Reino/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
