Lucas Paqueta is being investigated for possible betting violations. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Lucas Paqueta is the subject of a bet investigation
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is under investigation by the FA and FIFA over possible breaches of their betting policy.
The investigation is alleged to be dealing with bets that were placed in Paqueta’s home country, Brazil. It is not known whether Paqueta was accused of placing the bets himself, or if he did it, how much and how much.
“Shocked” by the investigation
Paqueta, 25, said he had not bet on anything and was “shocked” by the investigation.
Manchester City, the English Premier League champions, recently made a bid to buy Paqueta, but he was forced to postpone his pursuit as investigations continued. West Ham have supposedly priced Paqueta at £85m ($108.4m), while City are said to have yet to offer more than £70m ($89.2m).
“I admitted last week that there was an inquiry from Manchester City, but I have nothing more to add to that at this moment,” manager David Moyes said last week, ahead of news of the betting realization.
West Ham sold midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal for 105 million pounds ($133.9 million) earlier this summer, keeping him as light in midfield as he is. Paqueta has been a standout performer since his arrival from Olympique Lyonnais last August.
Meanwhile, Man City lost midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona this summer. They brought in Mateo Kovacic, but are looking for more reinforcements as they try to defend titles in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Teams have until the close of the transfer window on September 1 to negotiate deals with other clubs.
Brentford striker Evan Toney was suspended for eight months in May after admitting 232 betting offences, including betting on his own team.
