Lucas Paqueta Drops From Brazil Squad Over Betting Investigation

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been dropped from Brazil’s World Cup qualifying squad due to an FA and FIFA betting investigation.

The probe is thought to have centred on Paqueta being booked in games, with the bets placed in Brazil, and the 25-year-old will now miss World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Bolivia in September.

Brazil interim head coach Fernando Diniz said: “Paqueta was on the list.

“He’s a player I like a lot. It’s time for him to resolve these issues. People need time to sort out these issues. He’s a player I love.

“Make him more comfortable to resolve. We had these problems here in Brazil,” he added.

“This needs the time factor for things to clear up. He’s a player I adore, even though we’ve never worked together. The CBF will have its doors open to receive him as soon as he positively resolves these issues we had at the last minute.”

“This needs the time factor for things to clear up. He’s a player I adore, even though we’ve never worked together.

“The CBF will have its doors open to receive him as soon as he positively resolves these issues we had at the last minute.”

The South American country will be missing Paqueta for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Bolivia in September, with Casemiro joining Newcastle duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes as the only Premier League midfielders in the team.

Last season, he was booked nine times for club and country.

Lucas Paqueta claims he has not placed any bets and is surprised by the reports.

According to Sky Sports News, an £80 million agreement for Paqueta to join Manchester City is almost complete and could still happen if the issue is resolved fast.

Meanwhile, Paqueta is focused on his role with West Ham.

Last season, the dynamic midfielder was crucial in the Hammers winning the Europa Conference League, the club’s first trophy in decades.