Lucas Paqueta case: New allegations against West Ham United star family members emerge
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has seen his family receive new allegations of spot-fixing payments, according to UOL.
The Brazilian news website [24 September] alleges Brazil striker Luiz Henrique received payments from Paqueta’s uncle and cousin in early 2023 totalling above £5,000.
Martyn Ziegler’s report in The Times [25 September] details that Henrique, now at Botafogo, received the payments after being booked in matches for Real Betis in La Liga.
Paqueta’s uncle, Bruno Tolentino, acknowledges the payments but clarifies they were to pay off a debt and are in no way related to sports betting or spot-fixing.
The Spanish FA are not investigating, and Paqueta remains in strenuous denial of his own allegations.
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta case ongoing
Paqueta has always maintained the stance that he will “fight every breath to clear [his] name”, following accusations that he was deliberately booked for financial gain in matches against Leicester City, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Bournemouth across the last two seasons.
The Brazilian playmaker’s family members have been accused of profiting from the booking incidents.
Paqueta has continued to deny any wrongdoing and featured in his national squad for the Copa America over the summer.
He featured for West Ham against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night and continues to be a significant part of Julen Lopetegui’s plans.
The ongoing investigation has cast Paqueta’s long-term future into doubt, but he is allowed to play until the disciplinary process is concluded.
In other West Ham news, Stuart Pearce compliments Aaron Cresswell despite the Irons’ heavy defeat.
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