West Ham attacker Lucas Paqueta has permitted the Football Association access to his phone as part of their ongoing investigation into whether he breached strict betting breaches.
The development arrives amid growing frustration in Brazil at the length of time the FA’s probe is taking after the nation’s football federation voluntarily decided to withdraw their playmaker from selection for the national team owing to the accusations.
Head coach Fernando Diniz has been without Paqueta for the August and October internationals but is believed to be growing impatient at the situation ahead of the November international break.
Sources have indicated that Diniz is set to recommend the recall of Paqueta for next month’s games versus Colombia and Argentina despite the FA’s ongoing betting investigation.
And Mail Sport understands the probe has now taken a significant step forward after Paqueta agreed to provide FA investigators permission access to his phone.
West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta has given the FA access to his phone over alleged betting breaches
Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz (pictured) has been growing impatient with the situation
The FA have access to messages and phone activity which will be used to compile their case as they decide whether to charge the South American with breaking betting rules.
The anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Neymar is understood to have accelerated Diniz’s desire to have Paqueta available next month, regardless of whether the investigation is concluded.
The allegations are linked to bets back in Brazil that weren’t placed directly by Paqueta. The player has denied the allegations.
