Paquetá manages to extend the defense deadline in the sports betting case

Lucas Paquetá, a footballer for West Ham, has gained more time to formalize his defense against accusations of involvement in irregularities in sports betting.

The Brazilian international player's lawyers were granted their request by the Independent Committee evaluating the case to extend the deadline for presenting defense evidence, which was set to expire on June 3, last Monday. A new deadline has not been specified.

The central argument presented was that the period was too short after the formal accusation to review the more than two thousand pages of the document submitted by the English Federation. There were only 12 days to become familiar with the details of the case and prepare the defense. The request was understood by the Independent Committee, which will rule on whether Paquetá was part of the manipulation scheme by receiving yellow cards in four games.

According to Globoesporte, the accusation indicates that the bets were placed by family members, close associates, and friends of people with close ties to Lucas Paquetá. The actions were identified in municipalities of Baixada Fluminense, which drew the attention of regulatory bodies such as SportRadar and Ibia (International Betting Integrity Association).

According to a report by The Sun, there was a total gain of £100,000 (just over €117,000) from all the bets involving the four yellow cards received by the 26-year-old attacking midfielder in Premier League matches during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. However, Paquetá's defense argues that this amount would be irrelevant in the betting scene, considering the amounts usually involved.

While still in the process of evaluating the accusation document, the lawyers are working on the defense as the player continues to assert his innocence. Lucas Paquetá is available to Dorival Júnior for the Copa América, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) does not intend to revisit the matter until a decision of conviction or acquittal is made.

It should be noted that the English Football Association (FA) charged the player with misconduct regarding betting in four Premier League matches. According to the formal accusation, released by the FA on May 23, Lucas Paquetá forced yellow cards in four matches between November 2022 and August 2023. The playmaker had been under investigation since August of last year but had not been formally charged until now. According to the English press, Paquetá will be heard by an independent commission and could face suspension if found guilty.

This ongoing case has attracted significant media attention, with many analysts and fans closely watching the developments. The outcome of this investigation could have substantial implications for Paquetá's career and reputation. It also highlights the broader issue of integrity in sports and the challenges regulatory bodies face in maintaining fair play. As the process unfolds, the football community awaits the final verdict, which will determine the next steps for Lucas Paquetá and his future in the sport.