The English Football Association has charged West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta with violating betting rules.
The FA charges state that Paqueta attempted to “influence the progress, conduct or any other aspect of these matches or their occurrence by deliberately seeking a card from the referee for the improper purpose of influencing the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from the bet.” “
The FA statement said the violations related to three matches from the 2022-23 season, his first in the English Premier League with the east London club, and the opening match of the 2023-2024 season.
The matches against Leicester City came on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; And Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
Paqueta denied the accusations in a post on Instagram.
He added: “I am very surprised and disturbed by the FA’s decision to charge me.” “I cooperated in every step of the investigation and provided all the information I could.
He added: “I deny all the accusations and will fight with all my might to clear my name. I will not make any further comment.”
The FA statement indicated that Paqueta has until June 3 to officially respond to the accusations.
In August 2023, sources told ESPN that the FA was investigating Paqueta for possible violations. He continued to play for West Ham during the investigation and was selected in Brazil’s squad to participate in the Copa America next month.
Paqueta helped West Ham lift the Europa League trophy in his first season at the London Stadium following his £50m move from Lyon in 2022. This season, he has scored four goals and six assists as West Ham finish ninth.
West Ham referred to the accusations in a statement.
They added: “The club will continue to stand by the player and support him throughout the process and will not make any further comment until the matter is finalized.”
Paqueta also had spells at Milan and Flamengo and was part of Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Gambling charges have become more common in English football in recent years, with Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali missing matches due to breaches of FA rules.
