West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for four alleged breaches of betting rules. The 26-year-old Brazilian is accused of deliberately seeking to receive a booking during four Premier League matches in 2022 and 2023 to manipulate the betting market.
The FA’s statement on Thursday detailed the charges, alleging that Paqueta intentionally sought to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market, allowing one or more individuals to profit from these bets.
Paqueta, who has until June 3rd to respond, firmly denied the allegations. “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” he said on Instagram and X. “For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny all 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.”
West Ham United acknowledged the FA’s charges and expressed their support for Paqueta. “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,” the club stated.
