West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has experienced a really tough time over the past year or so.
Lucas Paqueta has been really poor for West Ham this season, and he wasn’t anywhere near his best last term either.
We all know why Paqueta has been struggling though – he’s facing four separate charges for potential betting breaches involving picking up yellow cards on purpose.
The Brazilian recently released a statement in response to those charges, asking why so many details of his case are being leaked to the press.
He has so much going on in his head right now that it must be almost impossible for him to perform for the Hammers.
Julen Lopetegui is said to be debating whether or not to drop Paqueta for our clash with Manchester United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Maybe that will be a good thing for the 27-year-old – I think he needs to be taken out of the firing line as a matter of urgency.
Paqueta has become a liability for the Hammers over the past month or so, and he needs time out of the team in my view.
Now some news has emerged from Brazil, and it could spell real trouble for the former Lyon star.
Bleak outlook for Lucas Paqueta after damning CPI hearing claim
The most annoying thing about Paqueta’s case is the sheer amount of time it is taking to reach a conclusion.
The Hammers just need to know one way or another where we stand with the Brazilian now.
And obviously, he needs to get some closure on the matter as well.
According to a report from Metropoles out in Brazil, Paqueta’s uncle, Bruno Tolentino, is trying his best to avoid having to appear before the Sports Betting CPI in Brazil.
He has been summoned to appear before the CPI – The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, to testify in response to the betting breach charges levelled at Paqueta.
Whilst it isn’t clear why Paqueta’s uncle is trying to avoid testifying, I can assure you that it’s definitely not good news for Lucas.
If he had nothing to hide, would he not just testify? I don’t know, it all just seems like this will not end well for the Hammers ace.
In the worst-case scenario, Paqueta could end up being banded for life, if he is found guilty.
Lucas Paqueta faces a hearing with the CPI in his homeland, although he won’t have to testify in person, and will instead be expected to appear via video-link.
Hopefully all of this will be over soon, and we’ll know one way or another whether we can call upon Lucas in the future.
However, his uncle’s attempts to avoid testifying do not bode well for him.
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