Lucas Paqueta latest: Major twist emerges in West Ham star betting allegations. West Ham United ace Lucas Paqueta has seen a new development emerge in the betting market allegations with which he is concerned.
The Sun (11 February) have revealed the latest twist on one of Paqueta’s family members who have also seen accusations levelled against them. While the investigation into Paqueta and other associated parties continues – the Brazilian strenuously denies all accusations on his shoulders – he continues to play for the Hammers and has featured 25 times this season, scoring five goals.
Lucas Paqueta uncle could receive six-year sentence
Paqueta’s uncle, Bruno Tolentino, has along with the Irons playmaker also been accused of several breaches of betting market influence rules, with a Senate Commission report in Brazil having been released calling for charges against Tolentino and two compatriot businessmen.
Tolentino has been accused of paying Luiz Henrique, a forward now at Zenit St Petersburg, to receive yellow cards in two separate La Liga games with Real Betis in early 2023. Two payments were made of over £5,000.
He could find himself landed with a six-year prison sentence in Brazil if found guilty following the latest allegations.
Paqueta faces a disciplinary hearing next month for four counts of spot-fixing, alleging the 27-year-old deliberately earned himself bookings in four separate Premier League matches between 2022 and 2023 to earn money for associates.
The cases for Tolentino and nephew Paqueta are linked due to both being reported by Betway, who sponsor West Ham’s shirts and have been the principle partner of the Irons since 2015.
Paqueta could be banned from playing football for life if found guilty of all or any charges, but the attacking midfielder vehemently maintains his innocence and has been cleared to play for the rest of this season (westhamfootball, 16 January).
West Ham and Paqueta look forward to closure of spot-fixing case
West Ham will undoubtedly be looking forward to the closure of the case, to protect the best interests of both the club itself and Paqueta.
The Brazilian international, who has 11 goals in 55 caps for his country, will also be aiming to successfully prove his innocence against a quartet of extremely serious charges for the game’s integrity.
As per the report from The Sun, around 60 separate customers backed Paqueta to be booked in one or more of the games concerned, against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth.
Amounts staked on the specific market offer ranged from £7 to £400, resulting in winnings exceeding £100,000.
