West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta Charged With Misconduct For Alleged Breach Of Betting Rules

West Ham United midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, has been charged by The Football Association with four alleged breaches of betting rules. The charges relate to him intentionally attempting to receive a booking in four Premier League matches during 2022 and 2023.

“It’s alleged that he (Paqueta) directly sought to influence… these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market for one or more persons to profit from betting,” the FA said in a statement.

Even after being picked for Brazil’s Copa America squad two weeks ago, Lucas Paqueta has been playing for West Ham while the FA investigates the alleged betting breaches. The investigation has disrupted a possible transfer to English champions Manchester City.

Paqueta, who has until June 3rd to respond to the charges, denied any wrongdoing.

“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” he said in a statement on both Instagram and X.

“For nine months, I have co-operated 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.”

The Premier League matches in question were against Leicester on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.

In each of those matches, Paqueta received a yellow card during the second half. In the game against Bournemouth, he was booked for a deliberate handball in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

West Ham acknowledged receipt of the charges.

“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,” they said in a statement.