West Ham United news as Lucas Paqueta summoned for government hearing amid gambling accusations
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been summoned by the Brazilian government to attend a hearing amid the gambling accusations aimed at him, according to UOL.
The Brazilian news outlet reported on 5 September that the 26-year-old has failed to respond to an invitation to participate in a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) of Manipulation in Football, meaning he will now be obliged to present himself to the committee via video call on Monday (11 September).
The Brazilian international is being investigated for his involvement with a suspicious sports betting anomaly alongside Real Betis forward Luiz Henrique, who responded to the committee’s invitation and is likely to be interviewed by video call next week.
Not a good look
It perhaps isn’t a great look for Paqueta to not be attending government hearings as he surely wants to prove his innocence at any given opportunity.
The fact Luiz Henrique has decided to accept the invitation may lead to the West Ham midfielder deciding to take up the invitation as he won’t want to look suspicious.
It is a matter that is unlikely to go away any time soon as previous cases of alleged gambling that have been brought forward have shown, particularly ones that have taken place in the UK.
It took the best part of six months for Ivan Toney’s case to come to a conclusion, with the Brentford forward being banned for eight months on 18 May [Sky Sports].
It’s unclear where this story will go next following the latest development, but all those associated with the Hammers will be hoping the matter is drawn to a close before too long and he can continue playing for the club this season.
In other West Ham news, a Sky Sports journalist has been wowed by Tim Steidten after signing a “top-six player”.