Paulinho has effectively committed two illegal acts after featuring in a betting advert in China. First of all, betting and gambling in China is illegal, therefore posing for an advert there won't do the Brazil international any favours.
Secondly, pornography is also against the law in China, yet he stands by Japanese porn star Tsukasa Aoi in a photo promoting the betting company Letou.
It could come as as significant blow to Paulinho's surprisingly growing reputation. The former Premier League flop scored a hat-trick for Brazil against Uruguay in World Cup qualifying last month and is also a reported transfer target of Bayern Munich to become Xabi Alonso's successor in midfield.
The Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder could, in theory, be deported for committing such crimes. But whether he actually does or not remains up in the air.
‘Sir Gary Lineker? I don’t know how you comment on that – I’ve never even considered it. I just try to stand up for the things I believe in’ England legend tells FFT why he won’t stop raising humanitarian issues, even if it affects potential honours
'I fell on the floor and shouted for a penalty. Someone pulled me up and said, "Don’t cheat to win penalties". It was Steve McManaman. I never did it again!' Ex-Liverpool forward reveals harsh lesson he learnt from his team-mate on Reds debut
