Lucas Paqueta To Continue With Brazil's Copa America Team Despite Facing FA Charges

The Brazilian Football Association (CBF) confirmed that Lucas Paqueta will remain in Brazil's Copa America squad despite being charged over alleged breaches of betting rules by the English Football Association (FA). Last August, it was reported that the FA had opened an investigation into suspicious betting activity surrounding Paqueta. The West Ham midfielder is accused of intentionally seeking to receive a card in four different Premier League fixtures, three in the 2022-23 season and one on the opening matchday of 2023-24.

Paqueta, who has until June 3 to respond to the charges, addressed the situation on social media, stating, "I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name." The CBF has confirmed that Paqueta will stay in the national squad for the upcoming tournament following discussions between the two football associations.

"Given 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," said a statement signed by CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. The statement further clarified that Paqueta has not been penalised to date by any prosecuting body authorised to sanction him.

The CBF emphasised that Paqueta is free to perform his professional duties for both his club and his country's national team. "It is right 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," added Rodrigues.

West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. The FA's investigation into suspicious betting activity involving Paqueta began last August. The charges were brought against him last Thursday.

Paqueta is accused of intentionally seeking to receive a card in four different Premier League fixtures. These include three matches during the 2022-23 season and one on the opening matchday of 2023-24. The midfielder has publicly denied all charges and expressed his intention to clear his name.

Copa America Campaign

Brazil's national team, known as Selecao, are nine-time winners of the Copa America. They will kick off their campaign against Costa Rica in Group D on June 24. Despite the ongoing investigation, Paqueta remains a crucial part of Brazil's squad for this prestigious tournament.

The decision to keep Paqueta in the squad underscores CBF's confidence in his innocence until proven otherwise. This stance allows him to focus on his professional commitments while addressing the charges against him.