West Ham star Paqueta allegedly took a yellow card ‘as a birthday present’ for his brother

West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta is at the heart of a gripping betting scandal, and the latest allegations against him are mind-blowing.

According to the Mirror, a Brazilian inquiry revealed explosive details behind the reason for one of his eyebrow-raising yellow cards.

The midfielder allegedly told an intermediary he would receive a booking as a birthday present for his brother, Matheus Paqueta.

The 27-year-old is set to face a Football Association (FA) hearing next month over alleged spot-fixing. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

However, the latest revelations come from a 692-page report by a Brazilian Senate Commission.

They also recommended criminal charges for Paqueta’s uncle, Bruno Tolentino, and two other businessmen linked to a betting ring.

Investigators in Brazil suspect the West Ham star of game manipulation but have confirmed he will not face criminal charges in his homeland.

However, the FA continues to probe allegations that Paqueta deliberately received yellow cards in four Premier League matches against Leicester City in 2022 and Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth in 2023.

Paqueta allegedly informed an intermediary, Marlon Bruno Nascimento Silva, that he planned to mark his brother’s birthday with a booking during West Ham’s clash with Aston Villa on March 12.

He was shown a yellow card midway through the second half of that game.

Meanwhile, Tolentino is accused of orchestrating spot-fixing payments, including bribes to winger Luiz Henrique while he was at Real Betis.

Tolentino faces a potential six-year prison sentence. The inquiry detailed that five separate payments, totalling R$97,000 (£13,500), were made as part of the operation.

An estimated 60 individuals reportedly placed bets on Paqueta to receive yellow cards in the matches under investigation.

The suspicious betting patterns first raised concerns with West Ham’s former sponsor, Betway, which flagged the activity to authorities.

Paqueta could face the harshest of penalties – a lifetime ban from football – if found guilty.

West Ham must start potentially planning for life without the former AC Milan star. His levels have dropped this season, but the Hammers will be livid that they cannot profit from his sale.

They have reportedly been keeping tabs on Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, who could be surplus to requirements this summer.