Brazilian footballers Lucas Paquetá and Luiz Henrique, playing for West Ham and Real Betis, respectively, are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the sports betting market. The Football Association (FA) has been probing Paquetá for several months, and recently, the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) on match-fixing in Brazil has decided to summon both players to provide testimony.
Virtual Testimony Approved by CPI
This week, the CPI approved the invitation for virtual testimony from Paquetá and Luiz Henrique, taking into consideration the ongoing football season in Europe. While these invitations are typically mandatory, during the latest session led by Deputy Daniel Agrobom, a majority of the commission favored changing the nature of the summons from mandatory to invitation, as reported by Globo.
Collaboration and Investigation Measures
Deputy Felipe Carreras, also serving as the CPI’s rapporteur, called for the players’ summoning upon learning about the investigation into alleged match-fixing. Carreras emphasized collaboration with the FA to conduct a “swift and responsible” investigation. The initial step in this case has been the call for Paquetá and Luiz Henrique to testify as invited guests.
Connection to Previous Match-Fixing Network
Reports suggest that the CPI aims to determine whether these footballers have any connection to the match-fixing network that impacted Brazilian football, resulting in arrests, suspensions, and penalties. The deadline for submitting a report with recommendations was initially set for mid-September, later postponed by two months to November.
Impact on Gambling Regulation in Brazil
While President Lula da Silva has already signed a provisional measure for gambling regulation, Brazil awaits the CPI’s recommendations to conclude the process and ultimately open the gaming industry. The question remains whether this potential match-fixing case could influence the CPI and, consequently, gaming regulation.
Betting Scheme Details
According to English media, the FA had been investigating Lucas Paquetá for over five months regarding various yellow cards. The alert for integrity was triggered by his last yellow card against Bournemouth on August 12.
The bets allegedly took place on the Betway platform, the official sponsor of West Ham, focusing on Paquetá’s yellow cards. The bets originated from Ilha de Paquetá, an island in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, where the footballer grew up.
Personal and Professional Consequences
As a result of this investigation, Paquetá’s transfer from West Ham to Manchester City fell through, and interim Brazil national team coach Fernando Diniz opted to exclude him from the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru in September.
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In conclusion, as we navigate through the intricate world of football and its associated challenges, it becomes imperative to embrace the spirit of fair play and integrity. The ongoing investigation surrounding Lucas Paquetá and Luiz Henrique serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the sanctity of the game we all love.
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