Brazil FA make Lucas Paqueta call after English authorities update at West Ham United
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been cleared to play at Copa America by the Brazilian FA despite being charged by the English FA, according to the Telegraph.
The report on 30 May reveals that CBF reached the decision not to remove Paqueta from the Selecao squad following conversations with the English authorities.
Paqueta is facing four separate charges for spot-fixing – whereby a player deliberately earns a booking for betting purposes – and could be hit with a lengthy ban if he is found guilty.
What are the implications for West Ham United if Lucas Paqueta is found guilty?
West Ham will certainly be significantly negatively impacted if Paqueta is hit with a ban – which could be long enough to all but end his career as a professional footballer.
Should the Brazilian be sanctioned so severely, not only will the Hammers lose one of their best players – but also miss out on the chance to cash in on an extremely saleable asset.
Manchester City’s interest in the attacking midfielder is well-documented – but they put the brakes on any potential move last summer when the possibility of the player being charged by the FA first surfaced and are unlikely to change their stance until this issue is resolved.
Any move to the Premier League champions would likely result in a significant windfall for the Hammers, who are looking to overhaul their squad under new head coach Julen Lopetegui – and the funds would certainly be useful in their pursuit of new signings.
Hammers fans will hope Paqueta is cleared of all charges – and soon.
In other West Ham news, Fabricio Bruno’s teammate has revealed his “dream” in a transfer twist.
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