Lucas Paqueta: West Ham midfielder charged by Football Association for alleged breaches of betting rules
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Updated 23/05/2024 at 16:07 GMT
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA for alleged breaches of betting rules. An FA statement released on Thursday read: "West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3." Paqueta denies the charges and says he is "upset" by the outcome. He has until June 3 to respond.
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and West Ham United FC.
Image credit: Getty Images
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA for alleged breaches of betting rules.
The Brazilian playmaker - who was interviewed with relation to the matter last September - has denied the charges and says he will fight to clear his name.
An investigation was launched due to suspicious betting patterns which surrounded Paqueta receiving a yellow card in stoppage time at the end of West Ham’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
This incident was highlighted in an FA statement, which read: "West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3."
"The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club's Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on November 12 2022; Aston Villa on March 12 2023; Leeds United on May 21 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on August 12 2023.
"It's alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.
Paqueta faces two further charges.
In response, Paqueta has taken to social media to defend himself.
“I am extremely surprised and upset that The FA has decided to charge me,” he wrote on X.
“For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
“Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment,” he said.
Paqueta has until June 3 to formally respond to the charges.
Despite being out injured for more than a month at the start of 2024, Paqueta was a key player once again for West Ham this season - scoring eight goals in 43 games in all competitions.
Paqueta has been given the backing of his club.
"The club acknowledges receipt of the FA charge received by Lucas Paqueta for alleged breaches of their rules," a spokesperson said.
"Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to robustly defend his position.
"The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded."
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