Lucas Paqueta: Stefan Borson drops verdict on global ban for West Ham star
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta can expect to receive a worldwide ban if he is found guilty of breaking the gambling rules after being linked with a move to Flamengo.
That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the allegations against the Brazil international are more serious than some of the other recent betting charges that have been handed out.
Paqueta was hit with six FA charges in May over alleged spot-fixing surrounding yellow cards received in four Premier League games.
The 26-year-old denied the allegations in a statement and said he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the charges.
An FA investigation was launched after betting activity emerged in Brazil on Paqueta receiving a yellow card in West Ham’s home game against Aston Villa last year, where he was handed a caution for a late challenge.
It has recently been revealed Brazilian side Flamengo have been trying to agree a loan deal for the midfielder despite the charges aimed against him.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be facing worldwide ban
Borson believes any potential ban handed out to Paqueta would likely be worldwide, meaning he wouldn’t be able to play for Flamengo if he made the move before eventually being found guilty.
He told Football Insider: “I don’t know definitively, but I suspect given the allegations if it was proven against Paqueta, he would probably have a worldwide ban.
“As far as I can see, the allegations are effectively spot-fixing and it’s kind of like insider trading.
“It’s not just betting on your team to win or some of the softer gambling stuff.
“This is quite heavy. This is ‘I will get booked, so put a bet on’.
“He knows he’s going to get booked because he controls it.
“I think that’s what the allegation is, but we’ll have to see if it’s proven.
“I think he can probably expect a worldwide ban if it’s proven.”
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