Forward Luiz Henrique, currently playing for Botafogo, has been called up to represent Brazil in this FIFA window but is under investigation for betting activities carried out during his time at Real Betis (Spain). The transactions, amounting to around R$ 40,000, are linked to fellow player Lucas Paquetá, who is also being investigated for involvement in betting schemes.
Nearly a month ago, shortly after Botafogo's 5-0 victory over Peñarol in the Copa Libertadores, Luiz Henrique briefly addressed the issue in an interview with journalists in the mixed zone post-match.
“They want to take away my shine, but they won’t succeed. God is with me, my family is with me, and none of this happened,” said the forward.
It's important to emphasize that this is a summons, meaning Luiz Henrique cannot refuse to testify. If he does, the senators may even request the use of police force to ensure the hearing takes place.
According to requests made by the senators, the suspicious bets were placed at the beginning of 2023, during his time playing in Spain. The transactions came from relatives of another Seleção player under investigation by the “Betting CPI”: Lucas Paquetá.
Paquetá was even charged by the English Football Association (FA) for suspected involvement in a sports betting scheme with his current club, West Ham. Despite denying the allegations, he was excluded from national team call-ups by coach Fernando Diniz at the time. The midfielder is expected to testify before the Commission in early December.
Bruno Henrique also targeted by the CPI
Senators Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO) and Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) have invited Flamengo forward Bruno Henrique to give a statement. Recently, the player was targeted in a Federal Police operation investigating his expulsion in a match for the club. Unlike Luiz Henrique, Bruno has been invited to testify, meaning he has the right to either accept or decline the invitation.
Next steps of the CPI
Other individuals are also expected to testify before the Senate Commission soon. Among them is referee Jean Pierre Gonçalves Lima, who was suspended for 15 months by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) after a controversial call in a match between Athletico-PR and Palmeiras in the 2023 Brasileirão.
Businessman Willian Rogatto, known as the “Relegation King,” is another name summoned to provide explanations to the CPI. He was arrested by Interpol last Friday (8th) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Regulation of so-called ‘Bets’
In October this year, the Ministry of Finance updated the list of iGaming companies authorized to operate legally in Brazil. There are 93 betting companies in total, and inplayBet, a market reference as one of the fastest-growing betting companies, is compliant with the Federal Government's regulations.
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Source: inplayBet
