LUCAS PAQUETA is alleged to have got deliberately booked as a “birthday gift” to his brother.
The West Ham star, who strongly denies any wrongdoing, has been charged with four counts of spot-fixing by the FA and a hearing is set for the end of the season.
Meanwhile, an investigation is underway by the Senate’s Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) in Brazil.
A man accused of being involved in the scandal named Bruno Lopez de Moura gave evidence today.
He claims to have been told to place a bet by contact Marlon Bruno Nascimento Silva.
The bet was on Paqueta to get a yellow card in a match against Aston Villa on March 12, 2023 and for Real Betis man Luiz Henrqiue to do the same versus Villarreal that day.
The Hammers midfielder received a caution for a rash challenge on John McGinn after 70 minutes and Henrique was booked after coming on as a sub.
A report obtained by Brazilian outlet UOL says the cautions would be a “birthday present” to Paqueta‘s brother Matheus, who was born on March 12.
Nascimento Silva is alleged to have received £13,500 from Paqueta’s uncle Bruno over five transactions.
The CPI report reads: “According to the international co-operation document for the sharing of evidence obtained by the CPI (DOC 232), Bruno Lopez described the participation of the two players in the possible manipulation of a sporting event on 12/03/2023.
“His contact said that Paqueta had told him that he would give his brother, Matheus, ‘a birthday present’, namely a yellow card in the match on 12 March.
“Marlon didn’t give any details about the co-opting of Luiz Henrique, but said that he would also receive a yellow card in the same round.”
The news comes after allegations emerged that Paqueta’s uncle Bruno paid Henrique two payments of over £5,000.
Paqueta is accused of being deliberately carded in four Premier League games — against Leicester in 2022, plus Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth, all in 2023.
The stakes ranged from just £7 to £400, leading to reported combined winnings of £100,000.
Paqueta insists he is innocent but if found guilty, he could be banned from football for life.