FA agrees to postpone interview with Lucas Paqueta due to alleged betting violations

The FA investigation into Lucas Paqueta focuses on allegations of suspicious betting schemes in Brazil. Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney

West Ham United have been asked to postpone Lucas Paqueta's official interview with the Football Association following allegations that he violated betting rules because the player's lawyer is on vacation.

Last week, Paqueta and West Ham were informed in writing of the investigation that ended the Brazilian's chances of a move to Manchester City despite a deal worth up to £85m having been agreed.

< p>The FA's investigation is focused on allegations of suspicious betting schemes in Brazil and the issuance of yellow cards to Packet, who they asked to be interviewed on Monday.

West Ham requested that the meeting be postponed as the 25-year-old KC was unable to attend. However, the club is also unhappy that neither they nor the player were presented with any official evidence before the meeting, which is now due to take place in two to three weeks, and therefore after the transfer window closes.

Inquiries have been made to the FA asking for more information about what exactly Paqueta is accused of, but so far they have been rejected. The FA will decide whether to indict Paquete only after they interview him.

The midfield playmaker vehemently denies any wrongdoing and was known to have sought to attend Monday's meeting even without his lawyer, who would try to clear it. his name.

Paqueta scored a penalty in West Ham's 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday and was praised by manager David Moyes for his strength of character despite the accusations hanging over him and the collapse his dreams. to City.

This means that if Paqueta is acquitted, he will have to stay at West Ham until at least the January transfer window. If he is charged and found guilty, he faces a lengthy ban. Meanwhile, West Ham have loaned midfielder Flynn Downes to Southampton for the league.