Lucas Paqueta’s evidence to the Brazilian Commission of Inquiry (CPI) on the Manipulation of Games and Sports Betting will be conducted by video link. His lawyers successfully argued a postponement of him giving evidence at the end of October until 3 December but West Ham is away to Leicester City that evening.
Previous reports claimed he would need to travel to Brazil in person to attend the hearing and therefore miss the crucial away game. Claret and Hugh have been told exclusively by a club source that is not the case and he will be able to give his evidence remotely earlier in the day via a video link.
His lawyers have previously argued against his summons due to the ongoing FA charges against him. His representatives claimed the Brazilian hearing could harm his chances of a fair FA hearing as he bids to give his name. The outcome of the Brazilian CPI hearing is due in January which is when online betting is due to become regulated while the outcome of the FA hearing is not expected until March next year.
Two lots of proceedings are double jeopardy. One or the other but not both surely…