West Ham: FA granted access to Lucas Paqueta phone amid growing ‘frustration’ in Brazil
The Football Association have been granted access to Lucas Paqueta’s phone amid the West Ham ace’s ongoing betting investigation, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported online (24 October) that the midfielder’s investigation for alleged breaches of betting rules is causing “frustration” for the Brazil national team who want to recall the 26-year-old to the squad.
Brazil boss Fernando Diniz could recommend Paqueta be recalled despite the ongoing investigation who has been out of the national side since June.
Tough
Paqueta’s ongoing investigation must, of course, be completed with the utmost care, but it remains a point of great anxiety for West Ham fans.
Premier League stars, like Brentford’s Ivan Toney, have faced serious sanctions for breaches, with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali the latest to see a potential setback. Paqueta has become instrumental for the Hammers since his arrival in Stratford, so a spell away from the pitch could be costly.
Brazil’s frustrations are understandable too, especially considering Neymar’s prolonged absence from football after his ACL injury, but potential rule-breaking needs to be treated seriously.
Paqueta has not let this situation impact his form for the club despite West Ham’s poor performance against Aston Villa on Sunday (22 October) and has helped the Hammers get amongst the European spots in the league table.
The investigation appears to be coming along, and the FA having access to Paqueta’s phone could reveal crucial evidence that could help or damn the Brazilian.
For now, normal service resumes at West Ham for the former Lyon man, but his inability to play for his country will no doubt be a great source of frustration for him.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers star has shared a “funny” phone call from a senior figure that convinced him to make a move.