Lucas Paqueta to Stay with Brazil’s Copa América Squad Despite FA Charges

Brazil’s West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta (26) will remain with their Copa América squad despite facing charges from the English FA for alleged breaches of betting rules, the Brazilian FA (CBF) announced on Thursday.

The CBF stated that it held discussions with the English FA before deciding to retain Paqueta in Dorival Junior’s Brazil squad, which is preparing for friendlies against Mexico and the United States next month, ahead of the continental tournament running from June 20th to July 14th.

“Based on the facts reported by the English Federation, the CBF, supported by the joint opinion from the Legal and Governance and Compliance Directorates and the Integrity Unit, has decided to maintain the player’s call-up,” the CBF said in a statement signed by president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

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Paqueta was charged last week by the FA with allegedly seeking to receive a booking during four Premier League games in 2022 and 2023. Paqueta, who has until June 3rd to respond to the charges, denies any wrongdoing.

“Based on the information provided by the FA, it is categorically concluded that the player Lucas Paqueta, despite the behavior for which he was accused authorising preventive removal (from the squad)… has not been penalized to date by the prosecuting body authorized to sanction him,” the CBF added.

“It is correct to say that the player is free to perform his professional job until the present moment, the source of his livelihood and that of his family, in a full and unrestricted manner, whether for his club or his country’s national team.”