Due to appear before the FA Enquiry into the yellow cards betting scandal next year, Lucas Paquetá had already once been denied the chance to defer his video appearance to the separate Brazilian Parliamentary enquiry, due to start this month. Paquetá’s legal team had asked for a postponement as his appearance could prejudice the FA enquiry outcome, as we posted in C and H on 28 October.
However a further request from his legal team for a postponement was granted, reported in Brazil by estadao.com.br, meaning that he will not have to appear before the enquiry in his homeland until December. According to the publication:”The information was confirmed to Estadão by Senator Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO), president of the commission. “The postponement was defined today. He (Paquetá) is preparing his defense,” said the senator.
The report continues:
“Under these conditions, we understand that his participation in a testimony before the CPI on the scheduled date could compromise the full exercise of his right of defense, generating the risk of inconsistent decisions and unnecessary media speculations,” said Paquetá’s defense.
Apparently Paquetá’s appearance before the committee – by video link remember – has now been scheduled for 3rd December. The stakes are high ~Paquetá who has always protested his innocence could face a lifetime ban by the FA if found guilty of the worst of the charges against him.
This situation is fast becoming a witch hunt it has gone on to long I’m sure Paqueta wants a end to this as much as the club and fans do it’s no surprise that he is struggling on the pitch with this hanging over him for so long if they have the evidence then present it if not then close the case and let Paqueta get on with his football career I can see no reason for this to be dragging on like it is it’s not good for Paqueta the club and the fans