Manchester City target Paqueta risks suspension for alleged gambling rule breaches

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is reportedly being investigated by the English FA for breaching its rules against gambling.

Paqueta, who was subject to a bid from reigning Premier League champions Manchester City this summer, saw a possible transfer to the Etihad collapse after what was initially believed to be disagreements in valuation between the two clubs.

However, the Daily Mail revealed that the issues that caused the deal to collapse went beyond price, as it was revealed during negotiations that Paqueta was under investigation by the FA.

The breaches in question are based on bets placed in Brazil on in-game situations, believed to be yellow cards that did not affect overall match results.

Paqueta has also been excluded from Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru by interim manager Fernando Diniz, who wants the midfielder to focus on the personal issue and have time to clear his name.

The Brazilian midfielder will, however, continue to play for West Ham pending an investigation from the FA and could be in line to play against Chelsea this weekend.

If found guilty, Paqueta could be suspended from footballing activities, similar to Brentford Ace Ivan Toney who was suspended by the FA for eight months after being found guilty of 232 gambling rule breaches.