Flamengo chief admits Lucas Paqueta concern as Brazil developments threaten West Ham payment

West Ham may not receive the latest funds that they are owed from Flamengo for Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazilian midfielder left Nuno Espirito Santo's side to return to his homeland in January 2026.

The deal worth a total of £35.5million, but it was not just a flat fee, and is actually paid in instalments.

The eight-time Brazilian champions are believed to have paid an initial figure of £13m, with the rest divided into annual payments.

One is understood to be due in the upcoming January, but developments in the South American country has thrown that into doubt.

The Scarlet and Black's president Luiz Eduardo Baptista has spoken out about the issue.

What has happened in Brazil that affects West Ham's Lucas Paqueta money?

Brazil's president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has provisionally banned betting sites and online casinos, in a move that is expected to reduce Flamengo's income by £57.84m after it comes in on 6 October.

Torcedoros claims that the gambling company Betano makes up £38.83m of their income, and was set to run until 2028, but there are other sponsorships and agreements involved with that industry too.

The outlet's report on Tuesday features quotes from Baptista on the matter, in which he questioned whether they would be able to afford the Paqueta money that is owed.

He said: “We have enormous respect for our reputation, and it became very clear from the very beginning that a series of future commitments are threatened.

“How am I going to pay Paqueta in January?

“This Provisional Measure compromises future revenues, affects the football payroll and player signings.

“Instead of hiring players, we’ll have to hire lawyers.”

The Irons will be keen to get as much money through the door, as the outcome of their own campaign may depend on their business.

How could the Paqueta payment issue be resolved?

The most obvious move would be for the Hammers to extend the terms agreed with the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit

That would allow the payments to be smaller, but more affordable, meaning that they can definitely meet them.

In an ideal world, Daniel Kretinsky and Co would still get the full payments when they are supposed to be made, but that does not seem like a realistic outcome at the moment.

Sometimes compromises have to be made in business and this may be one of those times, to ensure that the money is still coming into the London Stadium side.

They could probably involve legal action, but that will likely be extensive and the outcome may not be what they would want, depending on the complexities of Brazilian law.

Ultimately, if the Serie A club can't afford it, what good would a ruling that they need to stick to the original agreement be.